Assistant Ecologist

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, hybrid working
• Salary: £29,542 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available 
• Contract: Permanent

We are passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join Suffolk County Council (SCC) as an Assistant Ecologist and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.  

Your role and responsibilities 

We are seeking a proactive individual to provide support to our team and, in due course, guidance on ecological matters to internal departments and external partners and stakeholders. You will be taking the initiative in encouraging early engagement from other teams to ensure that ecological matters are given the highest consideration. This position offers a mix of independent fieldwork and collaborative problem-solving. You will often find yourself exploring sites across the county on your own, using your expertise – which we will help you develop - to be an 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.

If you are passionate about conservation and enjoy a dynamic work environment, we would love to hear from you!

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, see the 'how to apply' section below.  If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't 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 staffed with a friendly, experienced, enthusiastic and knowledgeable group of people who are all striving to make Suffolk a better place to live and work.

We mostly practice hybrid working with certain days when we meet in the office and other days when we might work from home. We encourage our team to work in local offices and depots where practical.

Empowering Everyone 

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are 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). You should use the Supporting Statement template. 

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. Describe your experience with conducting ecological surveys. What methodologies have you used, and how do you ensure accuracy in your work?

4. 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.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.  You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
 

Closing date: 11.30pm, 21 October 2026. 

Interview date: 5 November 2026.

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct

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. #LI-Hybrid 

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 your 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).