Graduate Ecologist

This two-year structured graduate ecologist role within Somerset Council focuses on providing ecological advice for planning applications, conducting fieldwork surveys, managing GIS mapping data, and implementing local nature recovery initiatives like Biodiversity Net Gain ($BNG$).

Join Somerset Council as a Graduate Ecologist and begin building your ecology career in a role that offers real responsibility, practical experience, and the support you need to develop. You’ll be involved in a mix of planning, fieldwork and nature recovery activity, helping to deliver ecological advice that shapes how Somerset grows while protecting its natural environment. This includes reviewing ecological information, supporting surveys, and contributing to biodiversity initiatives such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), nutrient neutrality, and local habitat projects.

At Somerset Council, we’re looking for a motivated individual with a positive, can-do attitude, a willingness to learn, and a foundation in ecology. An understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), protected species and habitats is important, but you don’t need to know everything - if you’re ready to develop, we’ll support you every step of the way.

You’ll play an important role in helping the Council balance development with environmental protection, while building hands-on experience in surveys, data management, GIS and ecological assessment. As part of a knowledgeable in-house team, you’ll benefit from structured training, mentoring, and exposure to a wide range of projects, giving you the opportunity to grow your skills and make a meaningful contribution to Somerset’s natural environment.

Role Summary: 

As our Graduate Ecologist, you will support the delivery of ecological advice across planning, development and nature recovery activities, helping to protect and enhance Somerset’s natural environment. In doing so, you’ll contribute to informed, sustainable decision-making, ensuring biodiversity and ecological considerations are embedded in the Council’s work and long-term priorities. 

What you'll do - Key Responsibilities: 

• Support the delivery of ecological advice on planning applications and pre-application enquiries, helping to ensure development considers biodiversity and environmental impacts.  

• Review and summarise ecological reports, including habitat assessments and protected species surveys, to support decision-making.  

• Assist with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, including metric calculations, with training and supervision.  

• Take part in ecological fieldwork, including habitat and protected species surveys, supporting data collection and reporting.  

• Contribute to nature recovery projects, including habitat creation, restoration and monitoring linked to local strategies.  

• Maintain ecological data, records and GIS mapping, ensuring information is accurate and supports analysis and reporting.  

• Support project delivery and administration, including recording actions, outputs and outcomes for biodiversity initiatives.  

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders, building effective working relationships across projects. 

What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

Essential 

• Degree (minimum 2:2) in Ecology or a related subject such as biology, environmental science, conservation or geography, within the last 3 years.  

• Basic knowledge of UK habitats and protected species.  

• Interest in planning, development and nature recovery within a local government context.  

• Ability to collect, manage and accurately interpret ecological data.  

• Good written and verbal communication skills.  

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks.  

• IT literacy, including Microsoft Office.  

• Enthusiasm, reliability and a proactive approach to learning.  

• Ability to speak fluent English in line with role requirements. 

Desirable 

• Understanding of ecological legislation and policy (e.g. Wildlife and Countryside Act, Habitats Regulations) or willingness to develop knowledge.  

• Practical ecological field survey experience (voluntary or paid). 

• Basic knowledge of UKHab classification and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric. 

• GIS experience (e.g. QGIS or ArcGIS).  

• Membership (or student membership) of CIEEM.  

• Knowledge of Local Nature Recovery Strategies or biodiversity policy. 

Additional Information: 

• Fixed-term contract for 2 years. 

• Full-time, 37 hours per week. 

• Professional Development Plan will be provided across the 2 years; including cohort training sessions around skill development and reflective practice.  

• This position offers flexible hybrid working and a strong work-life balance, with most work carried out from home and no set office days.

• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.