Assistant Ecologist

We have an exciting new vacancy for an Assistant Ecologist to join our Environment and Planning Services team.

If you are looking for a role that has a focus on our local environment and you love engaging with equally passionate people, then we want to hear from you!

You will be encouraged to have a voice, be free-thinking and empowered, while also working in a high-performing team, and have a genuine opportunity to make an impact.

Although based in Bath, this role will require you to travel throughout the Wessex Water region on a regular basis. We also offer flexible working, allowing you to work from home some of the time, if preferred, as well as from our office.

What you'll do

Our in-house Ecology team provides a wide range of services to facilitate project delivery for engineering, construction and operational projects.

The Ecology team support a diverse range of projects and enjoys the satisfaction of working on and influencing their projects from outline design through to completion.

Supporting our agreed rolling five-year programmes of work - all within the Wessex Water region - and working closely with our in-house design teams, our Ecologists spend most of their time doing the ecology work they love and enjoy an excellent work/life balance. Supporting fee proposals is not a feature of this role.

As an Assistant Ecologist, you will support the Ecology team in undertaking ecological assessments, as well as smaller projects of your own.

You will also work with the team to provide ecological advice to engineering, construction and operational staff to ensure Wessex Water meets current legislation and company environmental policy in the development and maintenance of our assets.

What you'll need

You will have a degree in ecology or a similar related subject and typically have at least one year of similar experience in a project delivery-focused role.

You will:

• be familiar with conducting habitat mapping (UKHab) and preliminary protected species appraisal surveys
• have a practical and pragmatic approach to habitat and protected species mitigation
• have an understanding of the use and application of the statutory biodiversity net gain metric
• have experience in writing ecological reports
• have an understanding of the UK planning process and legal framework
• have an understanding or experience of working proactively with engineering teams throughout design and construction
• have a proactive and flexible approach with a focus on successful project delivery
• have good IT skills and experience with GIS systems (ArcGIS).

It would also be advantageous if you hold or are working towards any protected species survey licences (for example, great crested newt or bats).

Due to the nature of travelling around the Wessex Water region, which in some cases can be very rural, a full clean driving licence is essential. 

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary, subject to conditions.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us.

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 350 acre former airfield into an award winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors
• YTL Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 19,000 capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space
• plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.  

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.