An exciting opportunity for an experienced Ecologist to join our friendly and
knowledgeable team based in Blackford, Somerset.
About Clarkson & Woods
Clarkson and Woods are a busy, well-established and highly regarded ecological consultancy. We
were proud to be named as Medium Sized Consultancy of the Year by CIEEM in 2019 and were
Commended in the same award in 2023, having introduced our forward-thinking 4-day week working
arrangement. While we have a diverse portfolio of projects in the housing, utilities,
commercial and charity sectors, over the past decade Clarkson and Woods have developed a
leading position within the renewables industry, specialising in large scale ground mounted PV
arrays. We are now seeking an experienced Ecologist to assist us with a growing order book.
Clarkson and Woods is a dynamic and supportive place to work, and this job provides an
opportunity to be at the forefront of our work, driving the solar industry forward to achieve
the best possible outcomes for biodiversity.
Key Responsibilities
You will be working within a friendly team of (~25) ecologists and will be expected to
co-ordinate teams of both in house surveyors and subconsultants. You will manage and deliver
projects of your own; this will include tendering for work, helping undertake the full range of
ecological baseline and protected surveys that we offer, and presenting results and
recommendations for appropriate mitigation within well-written reports. For us, diversity of
projects has always been important, both to ensure we develop well rounded consultants and so that our work continues to be inspiring and challenging.
What We Offer
A supportive and informal working environment with an emphasis on wellbeing.
A varied and interesting role with excellent opportunities to build experience.
Extensive annual training schedule, including guest lectures, workshops and practical
field-based training sessions.
Mentoring and support provided by Senior and Principal Ecologists within our team.
A competitive salary based on experience.
A 4-day working week at full pay.
Permanent contract subject to probationary period.
Paid overtime and Time-Off In Lieu working arrangements.
Flexible working opportunities (e.g. home working, flexible hours and unpaid leave
options).
Professional membership paid for.
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for yourself and immediate family members.
Enrolment into our Pension Scheme.
Access to our fleet of company vehicles for field surveys.
Company perks including tickets to music festivals, theatre trips, staff parties and more.
We are an ethically conscious employer committed to the promotion of positive environmental
and social change. We are currently in the process of becoming B-Corp Certified.
Specification and Requirements
Successful applicants will be enthusiastic, independent, reliable and well-organised.
Candidates must be willing to work some evenings (e.g. to carry out bat or nocturnal bird
surveys) on occasion, during our busiest periods. Travel throughout the UK (mainly Southern
England and Wales) will be required, as will occasional overnight stays. Full time work is
preferred but we will consider applications for a part time role for the correct candidate. In
addition, we would expect:
A passion for wildlife.
A degree in an appropriate science discipline, ideally ecology or biology.
At least 2 years' employment in relevant sector (NGO, statutory agency, local authority,
academic or consultancy).
The ability to confidently liaise with clients, statutory bodies and contractors.
The ability to efficiently write technical reports based on survey findings.
Experience of designing and implementing appropriate mitigation for protected and priority
species, sites and habitats.
A good understanding of survey protocol for several protected species.
A good understanding of wildlife legislation and planning policy applicable within the UK.
Familiarity with Biodiversity Net Gain and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
Membership of CIEEM is desirable although not essential.
Good IT skills including use of MS Office and MS Teams, while the ability to use GIS, bat
sound analysis and thermal image processing software is desirable.
Candidates must hold a full UK driving licence. Given our rural office location, your own
transport is a necessity