EP Ecology is seeking to employ seasonal ecologists to help deliver a challenging workload of ecology surveys, primarily focused on bat emergence surveys throughout Central Scotland.

About the Company

EP Ecology is an establishing company with a small team of ecologists in-house and associated sub-consultants as required. The company is committed to the highest standards of ecological practice and have been granted Registered Practice Status by CIEEM. Furthermore, EP Ecology offsets carbon emissions through a carbon capture scheme and has been audited to have a business management system which complies with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards.

We take on projects as both direct award from clients and as sub-consultants to larger companies. Our summer workload typically comprises nocturnal bat emergence surveys alongside preliminary ecological appraisal and protected species surveys. The sites we currently work on are generally within a 90 minute drive of Glasgow.

More details about the company can be found here.

About the Role

The advertised roles are anticipated to form a seasonal, zero-hours commencing 1st April 2024 and ending 30th September 2024. Expected to appeal primarily to early-career ecologists, students, and recent graduates looking to get direct experience of terrestrial ecology surveys and potentially opportunities to assist with reporting as the need is identified. The role is anticipated to be primarily field-based and will look to develop the candidate’s skills and knowledge in field data collection methods, with opportunity for interested candidates to further this by analysing, interpreting, and displaying data. The candidates would be offered full hands-on training for all that they are asked to do.

The roles are likely to involve staying away from home, work in remote environments, and working antisocial hours.

Note: As the roles will be on a zero-hours basis, EP Ecology would not be obliged to offer work on a regular basis, and the successful candidates would not be obliged to accept any work offered and therefore this opportunity would suit those candidates who are looking to schedule work around an existing workload or study.

Pay: Hourly rate set at £12.00-13.00 per hour (depending on experience). Full expenses are provided for any site work.

Location: The candidates normal place of work would be our office in the Hamilton International business park in Blantyre, with site work throughout Scotland as applicable. Home working is also permissible.

Start Date: Early April 2024.

End Date: Contracts terminating 30 September 2024 with opportunity for extension for the right candidates.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

This entry-level role will require:

• Full UK driving licence and access to own car insured for business use;
• The right to work in the UK;
• A genuine enthusiasm for conservation and outdoor working; and
• The ability and confidence to work alone and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

Candidates with any of the following are particularly welcome:

• Previous experience of undertaking ecological surveys (mainly bats);
• Membership of CIEEM (any grade);
• Protected Species Licenses (from NatureScot);
• CSCS Card; and
• Have or working towards a relevant degree.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying, please send a CV and a short (to 500 words) summary of why you are right for this role to: erik.paterson@epecology.co.uk

Closing Date

Applications are expected by 5pm Thursday 29th February 2024, candidates may be invited to interview before this point.