Seasonal Ecologist

About the Opportunity

• 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!
• We are seeking staff with good availability through the summer to work as survey assistants with our team of ecologists and/or experienced field survey leads, bat specialists, water vole specialists, botanists, and ornithologists.
• Our ecology team is currently over two hundred strong, which means technical and career mentoring to ensure your continued professional development. At Jacobs, we provide the resources to turn great ideas into reality.

• Supporting the national team of ecologists working on a variety of projects
• Survey support and logistic planning
• Ecological surveying and biological data collection
• Producing quality‑assured ecology deliverables
• Report Writing

Our Water and Environment business provides a focus for advising our clients on sustainability issues including renewable energy, low carbon economies, impacts of climate change and waste and resource management.

Locations:
Edinburgh & Glasgow

Field-Based Role:
Expect some early mornings, late evenings, and overnight stays (all travel and accommodation expenses covered and budget for subsistence provided)

Contract Type:
Zero‑Hour Contract

What does a Zero‑Hour Contract mean for you? Key Benefits:

• Flexibility & Control:
  Choose when you work, ideal for balancing jobs with education, family, or other commitments.
• Statutory Rights:
  You’re entitled to core rights like 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 last minute.

Important Considerations:

• Income and hours are variable, so earnings aren’t guaranteed.
• You’re usually classed as a ‘worker’, meaning some rights differ from full employees, but key protections remain.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a keen naturalist, or an experienced consultant, we’d love to hear from you.

• Enthusiasm for a career in wildlife or ecology
• Organised and dependable with good time management skills
• Driven and motivated individual with a proactive mindset
• Happy to work away from home and stay away for up to 4 nights a week
• Driving licence (please specify on your CV)
• Right to work in the UK
• Eligibility for CIEEM membership

• Degree in ecology or related subject
• Previous experience in ecological surveys

• 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 are seeking candidates with immediate availability. Interviews will be arranged at the earliest opportunity, with an anticipated start date of late June or early July.

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.

Jacobs. A world where you can. Good luck with your application