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PAPBA Applied Ecology Ltd
PBA Applied Ecology LtdEnvironmental Consulting

Graduate/Assistant Ecologist

Location

Giggleswick, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

0-1 years

Compensation

£26.5K - £28K per year

Posted

5h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

This role involves learning and performing ecological surveys, providing environmental support for conservation and development projects. Responsibilities include assisting senior ecologists with planning, data management, species identification, and producing meticulous reports for clients.

Graduate Ecologist

Location: Giggleswick, near Settle, Yorkshire Dales
Commuting: Candidates should live, or be prepared to relocate, within reasonable commuting distance (usually within 20 miles) of our Giggleswick office.

The Role

Working from our Giggleswick office, you will develop practical skills in ecological surveying and provide ecological and environmental support across a diverse range of conservation and development projects. You will gain experience across both terrestrial and aquatic environments, including PEAs, protected species surveys, electrofishing, habitat management plans and habitat improvement projects.

As a Graduate Ecologist, you will:

  • Support Senior and Project Ecologists in delivering a wide range of projects.

  • Assist with planning, resourcing and undertaking ecological surveys and species identification.

  • Support data requests, data searches, data entry and digital mapping.

  • Help produce accurate, high-quality ecological reports.

  • Contribute to sound ecological advice within your areas of expertise.

  • Work collaboratively as part of a supportive team.

With progression to Assistant Ecologist, responsibilities may include:

  • Taking on additional project responsibilities.

  • Supporting less experienced colleagues and career pathway staff.

  • Leading field teams and undertaking ECoW supervision.

  • Managing smaller projects.

  • Producing reports through to approvals stage.

What We're Looking For

  • BSc 2:1 (or predicted) in a natural sciences subject and/or a relevant MSc.

  • Demonstrable interest in ecology, natural science and the UK natural environment.

  • Aptitude for species identification and enthusiasm for developing survey skills.

  • Motivation, adaptability and a positive “can-do” attitude.

  • Strong communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

  • Good written communication and report-writing ability.

  • Excellent planning and organisational skills.

  • Proficiency with standard IT and communication applications.

  • Good physical fitness for varied, all-weather fieldwork in remote locations.

  • Full manual driving licence.

  • Willingness to live within reasonable commuting distance of Giggleswick.

Assistant Ecologist applicants: 6–12 months’ full-time professional ecology experience.

Desirable

  • Experience with GIS (QGIS), R, Access and/or Excel.

  • CIEEM membership or working towards membership.

  • Active interest in wildlife identification and recording.

  • Methodical approach and strong attention to detail.

  • Experience maintaining field equipment.

  • Creativity and ability to develop ideas.

  • Confidence swimming in open water.

What We Offer

  • Career-enhancing opportunities within a supportive, well-resourced practice.

  • Modern offices in a beautiful rural location.

  • Inclusive and friendly working environment.

  • Competitive salary based on competence, experience and qualifications.

  • Flexible working hours, TOIL and additional payments for out-of-hours work.

  • Additional annual leave with length of service.

  • Company pension and cycle-to-work scheme.

  • Training, development and paid professional memberships.

  • Strong focus on environmental sustainability.

  • Long-term career progression and engagement with career pathway colleagues.

  • Regular staff appreciation events.

  • Opportunities to engage with local communities and conservation projects.

About Settle: The historic market town of Settle is just a mile away, offering a wide range of services and a strong community atmosphere. The area provides excellent opportunities for outdoor pursuits, sports and exploring the spectacular karst landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.

Updated 5h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Ecological Surveys • 1+ yrs
Species Identification • 1+ yrs
Report Writing • 1+ yrs
Teamwork • 1+ yrs
Planning • 1+ yrs
Organisational Skills • 1+ yrs
GIS • 1+ yrs
Data Management • 1+ yrs

Experience

0-1 years

Certifications

Full driving licence (manual) • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

£26.5K - £28K per year

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyGBP
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationGiggleswick, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalHigh8/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium6/10
uncertaintyMedium5/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

PBA Applied Ecology Ltd

Team size

Growing team

Location

Giggleswick, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

PBA Applied Ecology was established in 2010 and has grown with strong values to become one of the UK’s most respected specialist ecology practices. In 2025 PBA transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust. We are looking to expand our team of high-achieving professional ecologists, providing clients with a wide range of ecological and environmental services.

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Graduate/Assistant Ecologist

Giggleswick, North Yorkshire, United KingdomFull Time