Assistant Ecologists

Clarkson and Woods has an opportunity for an Assistant Ecologist to help support our team over the busy 2026 field season with an initial fixed-term contract running until the end of November 2026 (with the potential to extend this depending on performance and the requirements of the business).

This is an excellent opportunity to gain diverse survey and assessment experience across a range of species, habitats and industries, with the expectation that successful candidates will assist in data analysis, technical report writing and client liaison. We operate a mix of office-based and home working, with attendance in our offices required at least 2 days per week, although the new assistants would be expected to initially attend the office 4 days per week to ensure adequate training and guidance can be provided by colleagues.

Clarkson and Woods is a well-established and highly regarded ecological consultancy operating mainly in southern Britain. We offer a friendly, supportive, and well-equipped work environment. Job satisfaction and continuing professional development are core elements of our ethos. We take pride in providing a comprehensive training programme each year which includes guest lectures, survey and ID workshops and practical field based training sessions which all staff are encouraged to attend.

You will work on a range of construction, renewable energy and habitat monitoring projects generally within Somerset and surrounding counties, but often further afield. You will expand your knowledge base and receive training in the field in the use of the the UK Habitat Classification system and survey methods for protected species such as bats, dormice, badgers, reptiles and great crested newts. Additionally, you will gain experience of report writing, client contact and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, as well as the use of QGIS, mobile data collection and the use of specialist equipment including thermal cameras and drones. Mentoring will be provided by Senior and Principal Ecologists within our 25+ strong team.

Successful applicants will need to be enthusiastic, independent, reliable and trustworthy. The nature of our work will require you to work outside of normal office hours on field surveys for bats on some evenings. Travel throughout the UK (mainly Southern England, the Midlands and South Wales) will be required, as will occasional overnight stays. All staff are expected to work reasonable (payable) overtime during our busiest periods.

Specification:

• A degree in an appropriate science discipline, ideally ecology or biology.
• A passion for wildlife.
• An ability to communicate effectively.
• Ideally, candidates should have a basic understanding of protected species identification and survey methods. Experience of such surveys would be an advantage although full training will be given.
• Candidates should be familiar with wildlife legislation within the UK and ideally have a basic understanding of the planning system and planning policy guidance.
• Candidates must be well organised and have a positive, proactive attitude.
• Professional experience and membership to CIEEM is desirable although it is not essential.
• Candidates must hold a full UK driving licence.

We offer:

• A varied and interesting role with extensive training and a supportive team.
• A competitive salary based on experience.
• Flexi-time and Time-Off In Lieu working arrangements, with the option for paid overtime.
• Paid membership of CIEEM.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for yourself and immediate family members.
• A 4-day working week (4x 8hr days) at full pay. Fridays are our typical non-working day.
• Enrolment into our company pension scheme.
• Access to our training schedule throughout the year.
• Access to our small fleet of company vehicles for field surveys.
• Company perks including tickets to music festivals, theatre trips, staff parties etc.
• We are an ethically conscious employer committed to the promotion of positive environmental and social change. As such, we are currently in the process of becoming B-Corp certified.