Seasonal Roles – Helping Assistant Ecologists Get Ahead
Seasons Ecology recognises the difficulties faced by many ecologists trying to enter our industry and the competitive nature of many entry-level roles. We are passionate about doing what we can to help and our Seasonal Assistant Ecologist and Internship posts are a great way to do this.
In 2021 as well as getting on the job training alongside our experienced ecologists in respect to extended Phase 1 habitat surveys, bat, dormouse and reptile surveys our seasonal surveyors were able to attend training courses in grassland identification, aquatic plants, ferns and dormouse handling.
Our seasonal roles and internships not only play an important part in helping us deliver an efficient service during our busy periods, but also enable us to introduce new ecologists to the consultancy sector. Our Assistant Ecologists (both interns and seasonal) are given the opportunity to work alongside our small team of friendly and very experienced ecologists. We provide on the job training and provide opportunities to attend company training days.
Bat Activity Training, April 2021 
Grassland Training, June 2021 
Dormouse Survey Experience, 2021
Keeping in Touch
We keep in touch with our previous employees and continue to provide ongoing support and mentoring where possible. This has lead to us providing references for protected species licence applications and sponsoring CIEEM membership thereby continuing to contribute to their career development.
Many of our interns and seasonal assistants have gone on to secure permanent roles following their time with us and we are incredibly proud to have played a small part in their early career development (not always in the consultancy sector, but sometimes in the public and research sectors).
Seasonal Assistant Ecologists
Due to the seasonal nature of many ecological surveys there is generally a need to expand our team between May and September. In order to meet the demands of the business we offer a range of opportunities including some temporary fulltime/part-time positions or more flexible zero-hours contracts.
“Working with Seasons Ecology this year has been a fantastic introduction to the world of ecological consultancy, providing me with a variety of skills and understanding essential to working effectively in the sector. The team are extremely supportive, ensuring that I was included at every opportunity and sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm to enhance my experience. This seasonal role has given me a solid grounding in the field prior to beginning an MSc in Applied Ecology this autumn.“ C. Graham, MSc Student (Assistant Ecologist, 2021 season)
“Seasons Ecology provided me with multiple opportunities to develop my skills within the role of Seasonal Ecologist. The team were fantastic, extremely welcoming and inclusive. I spent invaluable time shadowing colleagues and gaining an excellent knowledge base in ecology. The role with Seasons Ecology enabled me to progress quickly within the consultancy sector and Hannah has always been happy to help with my progression even after leaving the company”. A. Sampson, Ecologist at Ecologic Consultancy (Assistant Ecologist, 2017 season)
Internships
Over the past ten years we have provided four paid internships via the Exeter University and Bath Spa University. The length of the internship depends on the university, but often our interns continue for the season on a temporary basis.
“Seasons Ecology provided me with an invaluable early exposure to life as an ecological consultant, ensuring that I developed an understanding in all aspects of the process. The team were incredibly helpful, drawing on their own experience and providing advice on how to be competitive in this sector. After completing the internship, interviewers were often impressed with my knowledge of consultancy despite my limited experience.” E. Vickery, Assistant Ecological Consultant, RSK Group (Exeter University intern 2021)
“My time at Seasons was a great introduction into the role of an ecologist. The internship gave me the experience and background knowledge to get a permanent role within a consultancy. The team were extremely welcoming and really supported me both during the experience and after when I was applying for roles within ecological consultancy.” S. Reid, Assistant Ecologist, JBA Consulting (Exeter University intern 2021)
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