Ecologist

About the post

The Ecologist is responsible for delivering a range of ecological consultancy services for a variety of projects across the UK. The position involves undertaking ecological desk studies and habitat and protected species surveys, advising clients, acting as an ecological clerk of works and preparing high-quality technical documents. The role entails working in collaboration with clients, contractors, statutory agents and complementary disciplines.

Job Description – Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Responsibility 1: Project Delivery

• Manage small to medium scale projects which require pragmatic and bespoke habitat and species services to enable the best possible outcomes for the client and wildlife.
• Plan the delivery of services by staff and sub-contractors and assist with the identification and resolution of resource limitations wherever possible to enable successful task completion.
• Work with colleagues to develop and refine existing and new services which meet the changing needs of clients and exceed industry standards.
• Assist with land management projects by acting as an ecological clerk of works and undertaking land management tasks.

Responsibility 2: Team Management

• May line manage an individual or small team of assistant ecologists.
• Provide leadership to colleagues in area of specialism.

Responsibility 3: Business Development

• Promote ecological services to new and existing clients via creation of appropriate content (e.g. LinkedIn, X, website).
• Maintain and build relationships with existing and new clients and seek opportunities to expand partnerships which contribute to financial and Wilder Somerset targets.

General

• Continually develop skills and expertise which will improve the delivery of ecological services.
• Adhere to SWTC’s systems and procedures (e.g. timesheets, outlook calendar systems, file conventions).
• Comply with Somerset Wildlife Trust’s policies and procedures.
• Carry out other duties relevant to the post as requested by more senior staff within SWTC and also within SWT given line manager approval.
• Reflect Somerset Wildlife Trust’s values in all areas of work.
• Work collaboratively with other Wildlife Trusts to share learning and achieve greater impact collectively.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 7% employer pension contribution
• Life insurance
• An annual professional institution subscription if applicable
• Flexible and agile working
• Wellbeing support – EAP, wellbeing champions
• Diversity networks through RSWT/TWT
• Paid volunteer days
• Continuous Professional Development opportunities
• 33 days of holiday (25 + bank holidays)

The opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature, communities and the climate.

Closing date for applications 22nd May 2026.