Overview
Job Title: Assistant Ecologist
Employer: Suffolk County Council
Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX
Working pattern: Hybrid working
Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available
Contract: Permanent
Your Role And Responsibilities
We are seeking a proactive individual to provide support to the team and, in due course, guidance on ecological matters to internal departments and external partners and stakeholders. You will take the initiative in encouraging early engagement from other teams to ensure that ecological matters are given the highest consideration. The position offers a mix of independent fieldwork and collaborative problem-solving. You will often work across sites in the county, using your expertise to advocate for practical, biodiversity-friendly solutions.
* To promote the conservation and enhancement of Suffolk’s wildlife.
* To support the County Ecologists, and Senior Ecologist in undertaking a broad range of ecological activities and advice in support of SCC’s priorities.
* Contribute to the delivery of the Suffolk Verges Project, including the Roadside Nature Reserve scheme, as well as the County Wildlife Sites Project.
* To undertake other ecological work and administrative duties as part of the Landscape and Biodiversity Team, as required.
You will need
* an appropriate degree or relevant experience
* initiative, tact and diplomacy
* a desire to obtain the best possible outcomes for wildlife and habitats in Suffolk
* experience in the use of appropriate IT applications, including GIS (Geographic Information System) (SCC uses MapInfo) websites and social media
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don\u2019t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
You will be part of a small team led by SCC’s Senior Ecologist. The team is part of the Natural and Historic Environment Service of SCC which also includes Landscape, Trees and Woodlands, the Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service, Rights of Way and the SCC Archaeological Service. The wider team is a friendly, experienced, enthusiastic and knowledgeable group striving to make Suffolk a better place to live and work.
We mostly practice hybrid working with some days in the office and others from home. We encourage team members to work in local offices and depots where practical.
Empowering Everyone
We are committed to potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Andrew Murray-Wood for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 07834 676876 or emailing: andrew.murray-wood@suffolk.gov.uk
How To Apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.
* Describe a situation where you had to advocate for the conservation of biodiversity in a challenging environment. What approach did you take, and what was the outcome?
* Can you give an example of a time when you had to explain complex ecological concepts to a non-specialist audience? How did you ensure your message was understood?
* Describe your experience with conducting ecological surveys. What methodologies have you used, and how do you ensure accuracy in your work?
* Describe a situation where you had to provide ecological advice on a planning or development project. How did you ensure your recommendations were considered?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 19 October 2025.
Interview date: 30 October 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
* up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
* membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
* performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
* training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
* a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
* diverse and active staff networks
* flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
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