Thomson Environmental Consultants are experts in environmental compliance. Our specialist teams have been advising our clients across various sectors, on how to achieve their objectives and meet required environmental compliance since 2004. We cover a breadth of specialisms and are always pragmatic with our advice. With offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Guildford, Leeds and Manchester, our teams provide: ecological advice; undertake surveys and assessments; habitat design and creation; ecological contracting; invasive species management; freshwater and marine consultancy; arboriculture consultancy and contracting; data management and mapping; and marine laboratory services (invertebrates, fish and sediment analyses).

You can find out more about the type, size and scope of the projects we work on here: https://www.thomsonec.com/projects/

You’ll be joining a company which is ambitious, progressive, rapidly growing and offers certainty in times of change. One where you play a key part in shaping the future and where you will be directly rewarded for your contributions to its growth, as we are proudly employee owned. We are constantly innovating and being opportunistic to market changes. This is demonstrated through many recent in-house development projects and the addition of climate change and biodiversity net gain to our commercial offering to our clients. It really is an exciting time to join #teamthomson!

Our workplace is happy and friendly - we are commercial but not corporate, guided by our values of Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence. As an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) our collective efforts generate results that translate into greater rewards for everyone. You’ll enjoy all the benefits we have to offer, including EOT approved bonuses (after a qualifying period), the opportunity to contribute to and lead on high-profile, once in a life-time projects, 25 days annual leave, free parking (location dependent) and regular social events, with the odd cake thrown in for good measure!

We have multiple opportunities for Assistant Ecologists and Ecologists to join our rail team in the South of England. The rail team specialises in undertaking surveys, mitigation and reports for stretches of rail line throughout the UK. The site/field work will largely comprise of night shifts and weekends, to undertake ecological work whilst the rail lines are closed for access. The work will also include the production of technical reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, bat inspection reports and mitigation method statements. A competitive salary will be offered to compensate for the unusual, unique hours and shift pattern of this role.

We are particularly keen to hear from those who have some experience undertaking extended Phase 1 habitat survey, bat inspection and/or Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW). Though not essential, bat or GCN licences as well as experience producing technical reports would be beneficial, although training can be provided.

You will ideally need to be immediately available and able to work full time until October 2021, have a car, full UK driving licence and be willing to travel and stay away from home regularly. Accommodation and mileage will be paid for, and a generous subsistence allowance will be given when staying away from home. Ideally, you will be located within 1 hour’s commute of our offices in Birmingham or Guildford, or be willing to relocate.

This is a full time role; the working week will include weekends, therefore time off will be provided mid-week. Much of the site/field work will be required at night, except report writing, for which the hours will be flexible. Successful candidates will need to pass a medical to be accepted onto Personal Track Safety (PTS) training, where PTS is not already held.

Successful candidates will have

• Personal Track Safety (PTS) or eligibility to obtain this certification
• a degree in ecology or a related field, or suitable relevant experience
• the right to work in the UK
• a valid driving licence and vehicle, insured for business use
• experience of ecological survey and mitigation work (such as ECoW and toolbox talk delivery)
• the ability to travel and stay away at survey sites in various locations around the UK
• confidence to work independently, and as part of a team
• commitment to work all weekends and night shifts
• self-motivation with the ability to learn quickly.

Ideally, successful candidates will also have the following

• prior experience of working on rail work/track side
• a protected species licence e.g. GCN or bat
• membership to the Chartered Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card
• First Aid at Work certification.

COVID-19 statement

All our work activities are risk assessed including COVID-19 safety provisions when working on site, in the office and around the country. Our risk assessments are frequently reviewed by our HSQE Manager in accordance with the latest government guidelines. Our offices are set up in accordance with government guidelines to enable appropriate social distancing and to ensure safe working for our teams.

What can you expect from us? Read some of our employee testimonials:

“Within my first year as an assistant ecologist at Thomson, I undertook bat, reptile, GCN, and phase 1 surveys for the company, on large and small scale projects. I thoroughly enjoyed my first survey season with Thomson, they provided good training and are committed to your personal development within the company and as an ecologist“- Katie R

“It is a strange feeling being in a place where you're excited to go back to work on Monday, and that's because I love the team I work with“- Luke M

‘I have found the most helpful thing is knowing I have a reliable team of Thomson staff on my side, of whom I feel confident to call and ask questions if I need some further information. Knowing I have a team who is happy to answer my questions and help me make the best decision (if I am not entirely confident) has made what is otherwise quite an overwhelming role, quite manageable’. - Lisa W