**How to apply**:
01386 751100

**About the role.**:
We are recruiting for a number of Assistant Ecologists to join our Ashwell (Hertfordshire), Brighton (East Sussex), Basingstoke (Hampshire) and Tewkesbury (Gloucestershire) teams. (N.B. the Tewkesbury office is the new base for our relocating Worcestershire team).

**ABOUT CSA**

We work with a range of clients, including some of the largest housebuilders in the UK, as well as conservation bodies, councils, infrastructure providers and private landowners (including habitat bank development and small private projects).

As an enthusiastic and passionate member of the team, you will help play a key role in maintaining high standards and delivering quality work for our valued clients. You will help promote our culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, where individuals from a range of backgrounds are encouraged to develop their skills and careers within the company. When you join CSA, you’ll join a network of professionals, helping to shape a more sustainable future. CSA have recently been awarded ‘Great Places to Work’ certification with the additional accolades of ‘Best Workplace in Consulting & Professional Services’ and ‘Best Workplaces for Women’.

Our experienced staff have exceptional technical expertise and as a multi-disciplinary consultancy, you will have the opportunity to work with landscape, master planning and heritage colleagues to develop a broader understanding of planning and development, as well as with a close, friendly and inspiring team of experienced ecological colleagues. Reflecting the high-quality ecological services that CSA deliver, we are a Registered Practice with CIEEM.

**ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

Joining our busy and expanding team (>30 ecologists across all offices), you will have a fantastic opportunity to learn and to develop your skills. No two days are the same at CSA, with our variety of projects and clients offering diverse tasks and opportunities. Alongside assisting more senior members of the team, your key roles and day-to-day tasks are likely to include:

- Assisting with UK Habitat Classification surveys and protected species surveys for a range of species, including badgers, bats, dormice, otter, water vole, birds, reptiles and great crested newts, amongst others.
- Assisting and coordinating survey work, including preparation and maintenance of latest survey equipment and technology (e.g. infra-red cameras, bat detectors).
- Completing desktop studies, obtaining and interpreting biological records and reviewing online mapping/data sources.
- Use of QGIS and other graphics packages to prepare high quality technical drawings such as Habitats Plans and Biodiversity Enhancement Plans and to measure habitat areas for use with the Biodiversity Net Gain metric.
- Assist with the preparation of technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, protected species survey reports, mitigation strategies, Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans and more.

**ABOUT YOU**

We are looking for friendly, highly motivated, conscientious individuals, who demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for ecology and consultancy. You must also be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
Essential
- Relevant ecology / biology degree (preferably 2:1 or above)
- Interest in UK based ecology and knowledge of wildlife legislation
- Evidence of developing ecological field skills
- Excellent written English and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in MS Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint)
- Hard-working and willing to take on new challenges
- Physical fitness and a willingness to work outside in all weather, when required
- Highly organised, able to multi-task and a strong team player
- Forward thinking, with a keen interest in staying up to date with the latest survey techniques, guidance and innovations
- Willingness to undertake 2-3 night-time surveys per week during the peak survey season, including overnight stays (accommodation and subsistence paid)
- Full UK driving licence and own car insured for business use

Desirable
- Protected species / habitat survey experience, possibly with an area of specialism
- Interested in and/or working towards protected species survey licences
- Experience of using QGIS or other GIS packages
- Membership of / eligibility to join relevant professional body

**WHAT WE OFFER**

In the first instance, we are offering a **nine month full-time contract**, with the opportunity for this to become permanent if all goes well. Salary range £24,000 - £27,000 per annum.

At CSA, a healthy work-life balance is very important to us. As well as a competitive salary, we offer an exciting benefits package, including:

- Hybrid working available, with the option to work from home up to 2 days a week (following completion of probationary period)
- Flexible working around core hours
- Annua