We are looking for recent graduates to join our Ecology and Biodiversity team in our offices throughout the UK and Ireland. Due to the nature of this role you must be available to start in March 2025.
About us
SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 3,000 employees working in 125 countries around the world, including over 1,000 staff across Europe. Our ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business; providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.
Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days' annual leave, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life.
About you
You will have recently graduated or be in your final year with a degree (preferably a Masters) in ecology or a related subject and due to the nature of the role you will require a full UK or Irish driving licence before joining.
You will have good interpersonal and communication skills, a willingness to learn and have a strong commitment to producing high quality work as part of a team.
The Job Role
The job will initially involve assisting with ecological desk studies, field surveys and protected species mitigation for a variety of proposed development projects. In addition, the job will initially involve undertaking basic report writing duties, data entry and assisting in general office tasks including maintaining and monitoring ecological survey equipment.
There will be strong emphasis on learning and development. As skills are developed there will be an opportunity to take on more responsibilities and to progress your career in ecological consultancy.
As a graduate ecologist, duties are likely to include:
- Following training:
- Habitat surveys, with the ability to differentiate habitat types in the field;
- Ecological surveys for a range of fauna, including reptiles, otter, badger, bats, birds etc.
- Developing a good understanding of wildlife legislation and policy, and then being able to communicate this clearly to colleagues, clients, and contractors.
- Keeping accurate field notes in accordance with the principles of scientific data collection, plus handling, recording and storing data effectively.
- Recording time and tasks accurately on SLR’s project management software and understanding the commercial nature of consultancy projects.
- Taking personal responsibility for your health and safety whilst at work, learning SLR’s procedures and conducting your work in a safe and responsible manner.
It is important to understand that the job is likely to involve a significant amount of travel and time away from home, as well as survey work in all weathers and occasionally in remote locations. It is therefore important that you will enjoy this aspect of the role. Long days may occasionally be required for field work. SLR offers paid overtime or Time off in Lieu in accordance with its policies.
As a graduate you will automatically be enrolled on our structured Graduate Programme which will support both your technical and business development giving you a great foundation for a rewarding and dynamic career.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SLR
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional DE&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.
We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under-represented at SLR, such as: LGBTQ+ people, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.
For more information on our commitment to DE&I, and the great work we are doing, please watch the video here: https://www.slrconsulting.com/about/making-sustainability-happen
Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.
SLR Commitment – All applicants with a disability who meet the essential
requirements for the job will be guaranteed an interview in line with our Disability Confident Committed status.
PLEASE NOTE: This role will close 31st December 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in January about assessments which will be held in January and February.