Seasonal Ecologist

Seasonal Ecologist – Cardiff

Join to apply for the Seasonal Ecologist - Cardiff role at Jacobs

At Jacobs, we are challenging the present to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

• Join our passionate ecology team and make a real difference in protecting wildlife and habitats across the UK.
• As a Survey Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in collecting data that informs sustainable development and conservation efforts.
• From bats and birds to badgers and newts, your work will help safeguard species and ecosystems for future generations.
• This is your chance to turn your enthusiasm for nature into meaningful action.

• Competitive hourly rate
• Accrued holiday at a rate of 1.2 hours per 10 hours worked

We’re looking for seasonal survey assistants to support our experienced ecologists on a variety of projects. You’ll work alongside specialists in protected species and habitat surveys, gaining hands‑on experience in ecological surveying and data collection. If you already have experience to lead surveys we’d love to hear from you too!

• Start date:
  
  onboarding from 27th April, work begins 1st May.
• Locations:
  Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Newcastle, London, Manchester, Peterborough, Reading, Edinburgh, Glasgow.
• Field‑based role: expect early mornings, late evenings, and overnight stays (all travel and accommodation expenses covered and budget for subsistence provided).
• Contract type:
  Zero‑Hour Contract.

• Flexibility & Control – choose when you work, ideal for balancing jobs with education, family, or other commitments.
• Statutory Rights – entitled to national minimum/living wage, paid holiday, rest breaks, payslips and protection from discrimination.
• Opportunity & Experience – great for building skills, gaining experience and potentially moving into permanent roles.
• Short Notice Protections – recent changes protect workers from unfair deductions if shifts are cancelled at the last minute.

• Income and hours are variable; earnings aren’t guaranteed.
• Classed as a ‘worker’, meaning some rights differ from full employees, but key protections remain.
• You’ll need flexibility for unsociable hours (bat surveys at night, bird surveys at dawn) and a proactive mindset to thrive in this dynamic role.

• Enthusiasm for wildlife or ecology.
• Organised and dependable.
• Happy to work away from home.
• Driving licence (please specify on your CV).
• Right to work in the UK.

• Degree in ecology or related subject.
• Previous experience in ecological surveys.
• Eligibility for CIEEM membership.

@Jacobs. A world where you can.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation.

As a disability‑confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.