Vacancies
Assistant Ecologist or Ecologist (Hertfordshire)
About us
Babec Ecological Consultants are a well-established, small, friendly independent ecology consultancy. We are a CIEEM Registered Practice with a stable client base and a diverse project portfolio, ranging from small domestic projects to larger developments and infrastructure projects. We specialise in bats but also carry out the full range of protected species surveys and mitigation. Our small team all work from home and are located within an hour’s drive of our bases in Hertfordshire and Sussex. Most of our project work is located within the south-east of England.
The role
We are seeking an assistant ecologist or ecologist to join our Hertfordshire team on a permanent basis. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to assist with all areas of our work, including:
- Undertaking a wide range of ecological surveys and mitigation
- Production of ecological reports
- Production of mapping on GIS software
- Supervising ecological aspects of site work (ECoW)
- Designing and implementing mitigation schemes
- Project management
About you
Essential for all levels:
- Hold a good degree in ecology or a closely related subject
- Some experience of undertaking protected species surveys, such as those for bats, great crested newts or reptiles
- Be reliable, flexible, and willing to work unsociable hours
- Have excellent organisation skills
- Be located within an hour’s drive of our Hertfordshire base
- Have a car and be able to travel to sites throughout the South-East
Essential for ecologist level:
- A proven track record within an ecology consultancy
- An understanding of wildlife legislation, planning policy and processes
- Good ID skills in one or more groups
- Able to undertake a range of habitat and protected species surveys
- Able to produce high quality reports
Desirable for ecologists:
- Post-graduate degree in ecology or a closely related subject
- Specialism in a particular protected species group
- Hold one or more Natural England protected species survey licences
- Project management experience
- Experience of preparing Natural England mitigation licences
- Associate membership of CIEEM
- Valid CSCS card
- Knowledge of GIS
Whilst we are specifically looking for someone to join our Hertfordshire team, we also welcome applications from candidates within an hour’s drive of our Sussex office to join our Sussex team.
What we offer
We will work with you to develop your skills in all aspects of ecology and consultancy through a mixture of internal company training and external training. We will also assist the successful candidate in working towards Continuous Learning and Development (CLAD) plan to help develop your knowledge and skills.
Salary will be dependent on experience and calibre of the candidate but will be in the range of £23,000 – £26,500 (Assistant Ecologist level) or £26,500 – £32,000 (Ecologist level).
We also offer:
- Flexible working
- Mixture of working from home and work on site
- 25 to 31 days’ leave pro-rata (depending on time of year leave is taken)
- Four-day working week between December and February (on full pay!)
- Company pension
- Annual external training budget
- Payment of CIEEM membership fees
- Payment of Natural England survey licence fees
- Company laptop and smartphone
- No timesheets
- Discretionary staff bonuses
How to apply
Applicants are invited to send a CV and covering letter to recruitment@babec.co.uk. Please clearly specify the role you are applying for and your current location in the covering letter.
For an informal chat about the role, please feel free to contact Jon Bannon on 07468 598 295.
Babec Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.
No agencies please.
Ecological surveyors (sub-contracting)
The role
We are seeking reliable and motivated ecological surveyors to assist our experienced ecology teams during the 2025 survey season. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to develop skills and experience in the ecological consultancy sector.
Candidate specification
Essential:
- Hold a degree in ecology or a closely related subject
- Be reliable, flexible and willing to work unsociable hours
- Be based in the South-East
- Have a car and be able to travel to sites throughout the South-East and surrounding areas
Desirable:
- Some knowledge and/or experience in undertaking protected species surveys, including bat emergence and return to roost surveys, reptile surveys and great crested newt surveys
- Based within an hour’s drive of our Sussex or Hertfordshire offices
- Membership of CIEEM
- Valid CSCS card
- Hold a protected species survey licence
What we offer
We provide comprehensive on-the-job training of the relevant survey techniques following best practice guidelines and supply any necessary survey equipment. The nature of our work means that projects can range from a few hours to several months in duration and can be subject to change at short notice.
The hourly rate for successful candidates will be dependent on the level of experience, but will be competitive. We also pay for any travel time and cover any mileage expenses, as well as providing accommodation and a subsistence budget if an overnight stay is required.
How to apply
Applicants are invited to send a CV to recruitment@babec.co.uk.
Babec Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.
No agencies please.