ASSISTANT ECOLOGIST JOB
Looking for a job in Ecology? We are currently looking for Assistant Ecologists to join our team!
Join our friendly team dedicated to making a positive impact on conservation, and benefit from full training!
We are offering roles with variable hours starting in mid-April 2026; These positions are initially intended to be temporary (lasting approximately 24 weeks, mid-Apr to the end of Sep 2026) but opportunities for extensions to this contract exist along with opportunities for career progression within the company.
You will be paid £13.00/hour plus business travel expenses.
You will be allocated 28 days of annual leave per year (this will be calculated pro-rata for part-time hours) and includes 11 public/bank holidays.
Hybrid working: A combination of working from home and in our Ballymoney office, working throughout Northern Ireland with the possibility of occasional work in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
You will also have multiple opportunities for professional development in other aspects of ecological consultancy work. As an employee you will also have access to our full range of ecological training courses for free!
These roles are intended to start immediately and continue until at least the end of September 2026, with the possibility for extension.
The main purpose of the Assistant Ecologist job:
- Conducting ecological surveys, with a focus on nocturnal bat surveys in a variety of locations throughout Northern Ireland.
Key Duties as an Assistant Ecologist:
- Undertaking a range of species and habitat surveys, with a focus on nocturnal bat surveys during May-Sep, according to current industry guidance and best practice.
- Analysis of data to include bat call sound analysis and analysis of video footage.
- Working outside of normal office hours on a regular basis during the bat and newt survey seasons.
- Supporting the production of high-quality ecological reports and advice, when necessary, on time and within budget.
- Liaising with clients, stakeholders, and statutory agencies, as required.
- Organise, repair, and maintain equipment.
- Understand and meet health and safety requirements, and take responsibility for safe working practices.
- And any other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.
Please note that work will include unsocial hours often at short notice, and travel to sites across NI, GB, and ROI, work on construction and demolition sites, carrying equipment up to 4Km during the day and at night, often over uneven and slippery surfaces. Appropriate health and safety policies and measures are in place to ensure risks are minimised as far as possible to protect our staff.
Essential Criteria for an Assistant Ecologist:
- Experience conducting ecological surveys in a voluntary, academic or professional capacity.
- Ability to work independently on multiple projects and to deliver to a high standard, on time, and within budget
· Excellent communication skills.
· Excellent IT skills including MS Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
· Commitment to a high standard of work and customer service
· Availability throughout the busy bat survey season (Apr-Sep)
· Flexibility and reliability with the ability to work unsocial hours, sometimes at short notice.
· A full driving licence and access to a car for business purposes.
Desirable Criteria for an Assistant Ecologist:
- Experience conducting bat surveys.
- Achieved or working towards a degree in Ecology or a related discipline.
- An undergraduate or post-graduate degree in ecology or a related discipline
- Valid CSR (Construction Skills Register) card.
- Valid ‘First Aid at Work’ training certificate
- Working knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), particularly QGIS.
- Knowledge of ecological legislation, the planning system, and ecological survey and assessment techniques.
- Membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management)
- Experience conducting and implementing risk assessments.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of gender; age; race; religious/philosophical belief; political opinion; sexual orientation; or, whether they are single, married, or in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
Closing Date/Time:
Sunday 10 April 2026 @ 5:00pm
How to apply:
Forward an up-to-date CV
Full details at https://kaneecology.co.uk/careers/
Pay: £13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free or subsidised travel
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Application question(s):
- Do you have any experience conducting ecological surveys?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ballymoney, BT53 8PE
