Trainee Field Ecologist

2 Positions Available!
Salary £24,679 (prorated for part year working)
Mainly field-based (office located in Bangor, North Wales)
6-week fixed term appointment or equivalent hours (full or part-time hours flexibility), starting with a 2-week structured training programme at the Bangor, North Wales site, which is essential for all surveyors to attend, this will be full time (37 hours per week). (Estimated Start Date: Mon, 7th April 2025 working until mid-October 2025).
Closing date for applications, Mon, 27th January 2025.
Interviews: week commencing Mon, 10th February 2025. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidates, so we encourage you to apply early.

UKCEH is looking for two Trainee Field Ecologists to join our team of talented individuals, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges. 

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get: 

• 27 days annual leave (prorated for part year working)

• Travel, sustenance and accommodation paid by UKCEH for working days

• 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues, plus access to our trained Welfare Officers 

• PAYE Pension provided by NEST (via Hays)

• Access to a discount portal

You will be joining our successful Catchment to Coast research group based in Bangor, North Wales and will contribute to national field surveys which deliver into the Environment and Rural Affairs Monitoring and Modelling Programme (ERAMMP) and the Countryside Survey of Great Britain.  These long-term studies of the countryside enable us to monitor and understand the drivers of change to our environment. 

This enriching and exciting 6-week training programme will provide you with an understanding of all aspects surrounding the running of long-term national field surveys; from design and planning, field data recording, sample collection, health & safety, biosecurity and much more, to start your career in ecology.    

Training will take place alongside our professional surveyors in April, before shadowing them in the field as they carry out botanical surveys, habitat mapping, soil sampling and more, at a wide range of sites across Wales. You may also have the opportunity to get involved with other projects across UKCEH, to network and further develop your specific interests and career aspirations.

To meet the selection criteria for the trainee posts, applicants must be able to demonstrate they meet all three requirements:

• Are currently living in Wales

• Have completed undergraduate education, and not yet obtained regular employment in the field of ecology

• Are available for the two weeks of full-time training (based in Bangor)

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. 

For the role of Trainee Field Ecologist, we’re looking for someone who has:

• A degree in a relevant subject area (e.g., Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Soil Science)

• A full, valid driving license (manual)

• A flexible approach to travel during the working week 

• A good level of physical fitness to work outdoors and carry field survey kit on uneven/rugged and varied terrain, in often remote locations

• An understanding of UK Health & Safety

• Good team working and communication skills

• The ability to manage and coordinate time and tasks effectively

• Enthusiasm, drive and passion for ecology

Desirable Skills:

• Previous fieldwork experience

• Experience of GIS software

• Botanical ID skills

• Recognition of broad habitats

• Good navigational skills

• IT literate, able to learn new software skills for data recording in the field 

Interview Process:

If shortlisted, the interview will be 30 minutes, and can be in person or online. For those attending in person, a short tour of our facilities will take place after your interview.

If you are keen to expand your surveying skills and experience with us and want to know more, please contact: Glesni Williams [email protected]. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please Apply now.

Please send us your CV, accompanied by a covering letter which highlights any relevant skills and experience, together with what excites you most about the role and working for UKCEH.    

You will carry out work for the UKCEH under a contract of services agreement via Hays PLC (Company Number 02150950). You will be paid weekly by Hays PLC by submitting a timesheet to your UKCEH Line Manager.

Due to the guidelines set out by the Welsh Government as part of this community benefit programme, we are unable to accept applications from candidates living outside of Wales.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.