Ecologist

Ecologist

Location: Flexible / UK-wide with travel to client sites as required

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Build your ecology career. Develop your technical expertise. Help shape the future of ecology at Ground Control.

You're an ecologist who enjoys getting out in the field, developing your technical knowledge and seeing how your work makes a difference. You have practical experience carrying out ecological surveys and producing reports, and you're looking for an opportunity where you can continue learning while taking on more responsibility.

What you'll do:

In this role, you'll combine hands-on fieldwork with home-based technical work, supporting ecology projects and helping Ground Control teams with the ecological advice they need.

• Carry out habitat and protected species surveys, with opportunities to develop your experience across a range of species and habitats.

• Undertake and support badger surveys and other protected species work.

• Deliver Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and support wider ecological assessments.

• Produce clear and accurate ecological reports following surveys and site assessments.

• Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and continue developing your technical knowledge and practical experience in this area.

• Help manage ecology enquiries coming into the business, understanding what's required and identifying appropriate surveys, assessments or next steps.

• Provide practical ecological advice to colleagues, clients, contractors and operational teams.

• Support the development of appropriate mitigation, enhancement and habitat improvement recommendations.

• Use GIS and ecological data to support surveys, reporting and project delivery.

• Work closely with our Head of Ecology, drawing on their technical expertise and mentoring while developing greater ownership and responsibility.

What you'll get:

• The opportunity to join Ground Control as we grow our in-house ecology capability and build a wider ecology team.

• Direct mentoring and technical support from our Head of Ecology.

• A varied role combining hands-on fieldwork with home-based technical work.

• Exposure to Biodiversity Net Gain, protected species work and a broad range of ecology projects.

• Opportunities to broaden your survey experience and develop your technical knowledge.

• The chance to become a key ecology contact within Ground Control as your experience develops.

• Genuine opportunities to take on greater responsibility and progress as our ecology team grows.

What we're looking for:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.

• Practical experience working within ecology, whether in consultancy, the public sector or another relevant environment.

• Hands-on experience carrying out ecological field surveys.

• Experience with protected species surveys, with badger knowledge or experience particularly beneficial.

• Experience producing ecological reports, including PEAs and/or protected species reports.

• Knowledge or practical experience of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), with an interest in continuing to develop in this area.

• A good understanding of UK wildlife legislation and ecological best practice.

• Confidence communicating ecological information and advice to colleagues, clients, contractors and project teams.

• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage different enquiries and priorities.

• Experience using GIS systems such as QGIS would be advantageous.

• Protected species licences and CIEEM membership would be beneficial, but we're also interested in people who are working towards developing in these areas.

• A full UK driving licence.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience

• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future

• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work

• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support

• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind

• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing

• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.

We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels. #Maint

#INDHP