Ecologist

Rayleigh

9 months ago

Applications closed

Ecologist

Essex (hybrid role)

Permanent

£32,000 - £38,000 + vehicle, fuel card and benefits

The Client

Our client is a bespoke specialist services provider, primarily for the rail industry, but also within the utilities and local authority sectors. The company aims to be the preferred supplier for a total aerial arboricultural management service to the rail, utility and local authority sectors. The currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Ecologist to join their team in a hybrid role, working from home but with frequent travel to their offices in Essex and various sites across the UK.

The Role

As an Ecologist, you will be responsible for site visits to undertake study and surveys of animals, plants, and the environment to ensure the collection of accurate ecological data. This will be primarily on rail infrastructure, but may also be on lineside neighboring properties, or the property of non-rail clients.

Key Responsibilities

Production of Preliminary Ecological Assessments.
Production of Ecological Impact Assessments.
Production of ecological reports and specifications and identifying and recording details of habitats and species.
Protected species – surveys, reports, management and protection.
Develop and promote positive working relationships throughout the organisation and with client senior management, through liaising with clients, client project managers and stakeholders.
Working within the company’s Environmental and Sustainability Division, in association with Arboriculturists.
Providing expert advice on environmental / ecological legislation.
To work in conjunction with the company’s UAV Operations to analyse aerial drone footage and assess findings.
Using the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric to calculate biodiversity scoring.
Undertaking BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) surveys, and production of reports and site management.
As an Ecological Clerk of works (ECOW); to ensure ecological and environmental safety and contractual compliance, in accordance with environmental legislation, company policy & procedures, project specifications and Network Rail Standards.
Any other duties that may be deemed within the remit of an ecologist.

Key Requirements
An Ecology Degree.
CIEEM membership - ACIEEM or working towards is a minimum.
Full UK driving licence.
Excellent report writing capabilities, with the ability to work to a set deadline.

The Rewards
Competitive basic salary of £32,000 - £38,000
Fully expensed company vehicle + fuel card
Holiday allowance and time off in lieu
Company pension scheme

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Feb 3, 2026

Jobs

What Hiring Managers Look for First in UAV Job Applications (UK Guide)

Whether you’re aiming for roles in UAV design, robotics/controls engineering, autonomy & computer vision, flight test & certification, embedded systems, operations, ground control software, systems integration or regulatory compliance, the way you present yourself in an application can make or break your chances — and that often happens before the hiring manager reads past your first few lines. In the UK UAV/jobs market, recruiters and hiring managers scan applications rapidly. They look for relevant experience, measurable delivery, technical credibility, domain awareness and safety/regulatory understanding — often making a decision within the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in UAV applications, why those signals matter, and how to structure your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you get noticed — not filtered out.

Jan 24, 2026

Education

The Skills Gap in UAV Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) — commonly known as drones — are among the fastest-growing technologies globally. From infrastructure inspection and agriculture to emergency response, surveying, logistics and defence, UAVs are transforming how organisations gather data, deliver services and improve efficiency. In the UK, demand for UAV professionals is increasing rapidly. Yet despite a growing number of graduates with engineering, robotics or aerospace backgrounds, employers continue to report a persistent problem: Many graduates are not ready for real UAV jobs. This is not a reflection of intelligence or academic effort. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in the UAV sector. This article explores that gap in depth — what universities do well, where programmes fall short, why the divide exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the gap to build a successful career in UAVs.

Jan 18, 2026

Jobs Careers

UAV Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

UAVs (drones) have moved far beyond hobby flying. In the UK, they are now used every day for surveying, infrastructure inspection, construction progress, environmental monitoring, emergency response, film production, agriculture, offshore work & security. That growth has created a wide range of UAV job opportunities — and many of the most realistic routes into the sector are well suited to career switchers in their 30s, 40s & 50s. This article gives you a straight UK reality check on UAV careers: what roles genuinely exist, what training you really need, how long it takes to become employable, where the money is, what employers actually look for & whether age matters (usually far less than people assume).