Project / Assistant Ecologists

PBA Applied Ecology was established in 2010 and has grown with strong values to become one of
the UK’s most respected specialist ecology practices. Working from our modern base in
Giggleswick at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we offer a wide range of services
with particular strengths across terrestrial and aquatic ecology. Much of our work is in
protected rural areas and most of our project locations do not require overnight stays.

PBA’s high-achieving team of professionals provide clients with a wide range of ecological and
environmental services. Our projects are interesting, technically challenging and we excel in
offering innovative solutions to our clients that are evidence-based, practical and
sustainable. We are looking to expand our team of ecologists.

Positions are full-time and permanent, with the opportunity for further progression within the
business. We are offering an attractive starting salary, full training and support, and a
brilliant working environment. The traditional market town of Settle is just a mile away, a
friendly, community driven town, offering all the services required to live a varied and
balanced lifestyle. This is also a great area for a range of sports, outdoor pursuits and
classic karst landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.

Project Ecologist Role

As a Project Ecologist you will be managing and delivering projects on time and on budget to
the required outcomes and quality standards. This will include leading and assisting with field
surveys, site inspections, liaising with clients and reporting. You will also be managing
assistant/seasonal ecologists during project delivery. It is likely that you will have
experience of managing entire small projects and/or subsidiary elements of large ecology
projects, with a track record of leading project and survey teams in the field.

Assistant Ecologist Role

As an Assistant Ecologist, you will be carrying out ecological surveys and providing ecological
and environmental support to a wide range of conservation and development projects. You will
have opportunities to work on both terrestrial and aquatic projects, including PEAs,
electrofishing surveys, breeding and winter bird surveys, habitat management plans and delivery
of habitat improvements. 

As an assistant ecologist your work will include

• Supporting Senior & Project Ecologists in the delivery of a wide range of projects.
• Assisting with planning and resourcing of ecological surveys and species identification.
• Assisting with data requests, and reporting on data searches.
• Assisting with data entry and digital mapping.
• Assisting with producing meticulous and accurate reports for clients.
• Contributing to providing sound ecological advice to clients within your areas of
  expertise.
• Supporting senior staff in the management and development of client relationships.
• Assisting with business development, including generating repeat business.

What we are looking for

• A BSc 2(i) in a natural sciences subject and/or a MSc in a relevant discipline.
• A demonstrable interest in natural science, ecology and the UK natural environment.
• Aptitude and track record for delivery of habitat surveys, bat roost potential and activity
  surveys and / or freshwater ecology surveys.
• Engaged, motivated, enthusiastic and willing to follow instruction and learn.
• Adaptable with a “can do” attitude.
• Ability to work within a team and to deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills that can be evidenced in previous work
• Confidence in written and verbal communication, with evidence of good report writing
  ability.
• Exceptional planning and organisational skills for your own time and project work.
• Proficiency in standard IT and communication applications is essential, and capabilities in
  statistical and mapping software are desirable, but can be trained ‘on the job’.
• A good level of physical fitness to undertake varied and ‘all-weather’ work in remote
  locations.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in GIS (QGIS), coding (R), and data management (Access/Excel).
• CIEEM membership
• CSCS card
• Active interest in wildlife identification and recording
• Attention to detail and methodical in approach to tasks
• Experience in maintaining field equipment
• Creative and able to develop ideas
• Ability to swim confidently in open water

What we offer

• A career-enhancing role within a supportive and well-resourced practice.
• Well-equipped modern offices in a beautiful rural location.
• Social working environment, with a supportive, inclusive team.
• Competitive salary, depending on competence, experience and qualifications.
• Flexible working times, TOIL (time off in lieu system), with additional payments for ‘out
  of hours’ working.
• Additional days holiday with length of service.
• Company pension scheme.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Training and development opportunities, with professional memberships paid for.
• An environmental approach at the forefront of all we do.
• Opportunities for longer term career progression.
• Engagement with career pathway and hosted academic research projects.
• Regular staff appreciation events.
• Engagement with the local community and conservation projects.

Closing date:

Sunday 30th March 2025