About the CSA

CSA is a multidisciplinary consultancy with a team of over 40 ecologists. We are recruiting for Assistant Ecologists to join our Ashwell (Hertfordshire), Brighton (East Sussex), Basingstoke (Hampshire) and Tewkesbury (Gloucestershire) teams.

We work with a range of clients, including some of the UK’s largest housebuilders, conservation bodies, councils, infrastructure providers and private landowners. Our ecologists complete a wide range of work from the development of habitat banks to preliminary ecological assessments, net biodiversity gain assessments and detailed species surveys.

As an enthusiastic and passionate member of the team, you will maintain our high standards and help deliver high quality work on behalf of our valued clients. You will help reinforce our company culture and values ​​and we will help you develop your skills and career. When you join CSA, you’ll join a network of friendly professionals, helping to shape a more sustainable future.

Our experienced team has exceptional technical expertise and you will work with and learn from a friendly and inspiring group of environmental scientists. Due to the high quality environmental services provided by CSA, we are a CIEEM registered practice and have twice been commended in the Medium Sized Consultancy of the Year award. Also, as a multi-disciplinary consultancy, you will have the opportunity to work with landscape, master planning and heritage colleagues to develop a broader understanding of planning and development.

Roles and responsibilities

By joining our busy and expanding team, you will have a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop your skills.

Along with assisting more senior team members, your key roles and day-to-day tasks will likely include:

• Assisting with UK habitat classification surveys and protected species surveys for a range of species, including badgers, bats, dormice, otters, water voles, birds, reptiles, great newts, and others.

• Assist and coordinate survey work, including setting up and maintaining the latest survey equipment and techniques (e.g. infrared cameras, bat detectors).
• Completing desk studies, obtaining and interpreting biological records, and reviewing online map/data sources.
• Use QGIS and other graphics packages to prepare high-quality technical drawings such as habitat plans, biodiversity enhancement plans, and measure habitat areas for use with the Net Biodiversity Gains metric.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports including preliminary environmental assessments, environmental impact assessments, net biodiversity gain assessments, protected species survey reports, mitigation strategies, habitat management and monitoring plans and more.

About you

We are looking for friendly, highly motivated and conscientious individuals, who demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for the environment and consulting. You must also be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

necessary

• Relevant ecology/biology degree (preferably 2:1 or above)
• Interest in the UK environment and knowledge of wildlife legislation
• Evidence of developing environmental field skills
• Excellent written English and oral communication skills
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint)
• Hard work and willingness to face new challenges
• Physical fitness and willingness to work outside in all weather conditions when needed
• Highly organized, able to multi-task and a strong team player
• Forward-thinking, with a keen interest in keeping up with the latest surveying techniques, guidelines and innovations
• Willingness to conduct up to 3 overnight surveys per week during peak survey season, including overnight stays (board and paid accommodation)
• Full UK driving license and use of own vehicle, which must be available and insured for business use

desirable

• Experience surveying protected species/habitats, perhaps in an area of ​​specialization
• Interested in and/or working to obtain protected species survey licenses and botanical qualifications
• Experience using QGIS or other GIS packages and other software (e.g. bat vocal analysis software)
• Membership of CIEEM and/or other relevant professional bodies

What we offer

In the first place, we provide a Full-time contract for nine monthswith the chance of this becoming permanent if all goes well.

At CSA, a healthy work-life balance is very important to us. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer an exciting benefits package, including:

• Hybrid working is available, with the option to work from home for up to two days per week (after completing the probationary period)
• Flexibility to work around core working hours
• Profit-linked and performance-based annual bonus system (for permanent employees)
• Arrange overtime pay for survey work outside business hours
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata for any fixed term contract)
• Additional increases in annual leave allowance for permanent employees based on length of service
• The company pension contribution, which increases with the length of service
• Annual staff trip and regular social events funded for the team
• Annual “CSA Environment Team Day” with internal and external speakers
• Hybrid work laptop and mobile phone replacement
• An extensive internship program for associate ecologists, and direct mentoring by a senior member of the team
• Commitment to continuing professional development, including a generous training allowance for external training courses targeted to your areas of interest and development
• Paid CIEEM subscription and protected species category license registration fees
• Strong commitment to employee well-being, including access to a comprehensive employee assistance program and internal mental health first aid
• Access to additional benefits (e.g., discounted gym memberships, shopping discounts, etc.) through our designated provider

CSA is committed to promoting equality and diversity among its staff and we welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds. We aim to create an environment where individual differences and contributions are recognized and valued.

The first interviews will be conducted via Teams in early November, with the opportunity to visit the office available in the second interview stage. Contracts will start from early 2026.