Graduate Ecologist

Graduate Ecologist

Location: Birchwood, Warrington
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum
Role: Full-Time | Permanent

Ready to turn your passion for ecology into a career? We're looking for a Graduate Ecologist to join a growing environmental team and start building hands‑on experience across a diverse range of ecological projects.

A large part of the work you'll be involved in focuses on restoration
, giving you the opportunity to see ecology put into practice rather than simply identifying constraints and producing reports. You'll support projects involving habitat restoration, land regeneration, Biodiversity Net Gain and development, helping to create and enhance habitats that deliver long‑term environmental improvements.

You don't need to arrive knowing everything. We're looking for someone with a relevant degree, a genuine interest in ecology and the enthusiasm to learn. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, gaining exposure to both fieldwork and the wider project lifecycle, with the opportunity to take on more responsibility and progress quickly as your experience develops.

• Supporting Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and ecological site assessments
• Assisting with habitat and protected species surveys
• Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and habitat condition surveys
• Getting involved in habitat restoration, creation and enhancement projects
• Supporting the ecological elements of land regeneration and development schemes
• Helping identify ecological constraints and opportunities across project sites
• Supporting the preparation of ecological reports and project documentation
• Working alongside planners, engineers and other technical specialists
• Helping ensure projects meet ecological, planning and legislative requirements
• Developing your technical knowledge through practical fieldwork and project experience

To be considered for the Graduate Ecologist opportunity, you'll need:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Biology, Zoology or another relevant subject
• A genuine interest in ecology, biodiversity and the natural environment
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork and develop practical survey skills
• Good communication and organisational skills
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider team
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn

Previous experience isn't essential, but we'd particularly like to hear from you if you have:

• Some knowledge or experience of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• Practical ecological fieldwork or survey experience
• Experience gained through university projects, placements, volunteering or seasonal ecology work
• Knowledge of UKHab or habitat classification
• Experience using GIS or QGIS
• An understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning

This is an opportunity to start your career somewhere you can develop quickly and gain meaningful responsibility early on
. As a Graduate Ecologist
, you'll gain broad exposure rather than being limited to one small part of the ecology process, with a clear opportunity to progress as your technical knowledge and experience grow.

• Salary up to £30,000 per annum
• Opportunity for quick career progression
• Hands‑on involvement in habitat restoration and land regeneration projects
• Exposure to Biodiversity Net Gain and long‑term habitat enhancement
• Experience across both fieldwork and the wider project lifecycle
• Opportunities to develop your survey, technical reporting and consultancy skills
• Experience working alongside planners, engineers and other technical specialists
• Support and development from experienced colleagues
• A full-time, permanent role with genuine long-term career opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying for this role, you are explicitly consenting for McCarthy Recruitment to hold and process your data in compliance with GDPR.