Seasonal Ecologist

Jacobs Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom

At Jacobs, we're challenging today 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 from 1st May.
• Locations:
  Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Newcastle, London, Manchester, Peterborough, Reading, 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities, from well‑being benefits to our global giving and volunteering programme, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. 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. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose and belonging.

Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

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