Work Placements

ECOSA are keen to hear from students and others wishing to undertake work placements within this exciting industry. Whilst placements can be undertaken at any time of year, the summer months will provide the widest variety of opportunities to undertake survey works.

A work placement with ECOSA will be of interest to those wishing to pursue a career in ecological consultancy as well as those wishing to gain an understanding of how the commercial ecology industry operates. Previous work placement students have gone on to secure full-time positions both with ECOSA and other ecological/environmental organisations.

Based at our office in Winchester, the typical placement will entail a mix of office- and field-based activities, providing a realistic reflection of the role of an ecological consultant. You will be able to accompany our ecologists on site visits across the UK to undertake site assessments and to survey/monitor protected habitats and species. A placement is likely to involve some of the following activities:

Office-based Activities

• Data management;
• Data searches;
• Report writing;
• Research;
• Filing;
• Administration;
• Client liaison;
• Ordering;

Field-based Activities

• Field surveys - Phase 1 and Phase 2;
  • Badger;
  • Bats;
  • Dormouse;
  • Otter;
  • Water vole;
  • Birds;
  • Reptiles;
  • Great crested newt;
  • White-clawed crayfish;
  • Invertebrates;
  • Plants.
• Site Meetings;
• Habitat Management.

Given the nature of the job, it is essential that you can demonstrate flexibility in your approach to work and are willing to undertake work outside normal office hours on occasion.

Requirements

• Enthusiasm for wildlife/ecology;
• Knowledge of/willingness to learn about UK wildlife;
• Self-motivation;
• Good communication skills - written and verbal;
• Sound ICT skills;
• Appropriate attitude to workplace safety;
• Punctuality;

What a placement can offer...

• Safe and friendly working environment;
• Small, dedicated team of professional ecologists;
• Experience a range of survey methods;
• Experience of UK habitats and species;
• Use of survey equipment/technology;

What to do next...

If you would like to be considered for a work placement with ECOSA, please email your current Curriculum Vitae, ensuring to highlight any relevant knowledge and skills, along with a covering email detailing your aspirations for the work placement. Please ensure to title your email 'Work Placement Request'.

This opportunity is only open to direct applicants and not recruitment agencies.