SEASONAL ECOLOGIST, 6-MONTH FTC

Gavia Environmental Ltd is an established Environmental Consultancy looking to expand our capacity to resource growing needs of our clients. Gavia specialises in six consultancy disciplines, namely: ecological, ornithological, hydrological, contaminated land services and aquatic science.
We successfully support a range of key sectors: renewable energy, forestry, mixed commercial-residential developments, utilities linear infrastructure and estate surveys. Our range of site locations means that our consultants not only get exciting opportunities to work across a full suite of habitats, but they are also often surveying for some of the UK’s more iconic and protected species: golden eagle, hen harrier, divers, pine marten, wildcat, red squirrel, and water voles.

THE POSITION AND WHAT IS INVOLVED:

Based at our Perth office, we are looking for Seasonal ecologists to support Gavia’s 2025 project delivery. The fixed-term contracts will run for six months (early April to the end of September) and as a full-time post of 40 hours per week (including a daily 30 minute paid-for lunch break).

Typically, the role will see our successful candidates:

• undertaking ecological field surveys for breeding birds, butterflies, mammals, and herbivore impact assessments in the Scottish uplands;
• assisting and liaising professionally with various stakeholders and colleagues to coordinate and ensure the successful completion of surveys;
• report writing, including completing desk studies, collating and analysing the collected survey data, and figure production.

Opportunities to contribute to other ecology fieldwork surveys such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), Vantage Point (VP), bat, and aquatics may also support the wider ecology teams.
Gavia will provide internal and external training to support you within your specific role while ensuring all activities comply with our internal business management standards and procedures for Health and Safety, Quality and Environment.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Full and valid driving licence;
• Demonstrable navigational skills;
• Relevant wildlife legislation and ecological survey methodology knowledge;
• Experience in working in challenging outdoor environments;
• Experience in undertaking ecological field surveys, including stakeholder client management, e.g., access requirements;
• A high level of fitness is a must due to the variable nature of the terrains we survey;
• Proficient in the taking of field notes whilst on the move;
• An understanding of ‘ecology hours’ (late evenings and early mornings) to fulfil methodology requirements, as well as a willingness to travel and work away from home for short durations, e.g., 1 – 3 nights;
• Have adequate waterproof and thermal clothing to accompany Gavia’s assigned personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Excellent organisation and communication skills; and
• Competent use of the Microsoft Office suit.
  The ideal candidate should also be methodical in planning their work, diligent, reliable, and able to get along well with other team members. Experience in scientific report writing and data entry skills is required, along with excellent communication and Microsoft Office competency, particularly in Word and Excel.

• undertaking ecological field surveys for breeding birds, butterflies, mammals, and herbivore impact assessments in the Scottish uplands;
• assisting and liaising professionally with various stakeholders and colleagues to coordinate and ensure the successful completion of surveys;
• report writing, including completing desk studies, collating and analysing the collected survey data, and figure production