Avon Wildlife Trust is seeking an experienced Ecologist to undertake site visits and produce high-quality reports in response to community priorities for nature. The role also includes carrying out desk-based research to develop a strong understanding of local environments and inform practical, evidence-based recommendations.

The successful candidate will bring a sound knowledge of wildlife legislation, urban nature-based solutions, and approaches to enhancing ecological connectivity across urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.

They will be confident in delivering training and practical guidance to communities and organisations, supporting them to create and sustain nature-rich neighbourhoods across the region. An effective and engaging communicator, they will use their expertise to inspire a diverse range of audiences about native wildlife and encourage meaningful action for nature.

Who are we?

Avon Wildlife Trust is a charity working to protect and restore wildlife in Bristol, Bath and the West of England (former county of Avon). We want to enable nature to recover on a grand scale, with more abundant wildlife in our cities and countryside. We work with schools and communities, landowners and volunteers, people of all ages and backgrounds - to develop wildlife-rich places and wildlife-rich lives. We create, connect and care for places rich in wildlife, champion the value of nature, and inspire people and communities to care for wildlife. The Trust is supported by more than 17,000 members, 650 volunteers, manages over 30 nature reserves and is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts in the UK. 

Avon Wildlife Trust values diversity. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. We also have robust child safeguarding policies, and this role requires two work references and an enhanced DBS check.

Staff Benefits:

• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Life assurance
• Hybrid working
• Wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Discounts 
• Wildlife Trusts Diversity networks
• Paid volunteering day
• Training and development
• One free AWT course day per year
• Minimum 33 days of holiday (25 annual leave + bank holidays) pro rata
• The opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature

Part time, 22.5 or 30 hours per week, usually three or four days a week

Fixed term - 10 months

The role is being advertised at 3 or 4 days (22.5 or 30 hours per week) for 10 months.

We are applying for funding to increase the role to full time (37 hours per week) and to extend the contract to be 2.5 years in total, but this is not guaranteed. We hope to know by interview stage if the funding bid has been successful.

Some evening an weekend work will be required for which TOIL (Time Off In Lieu) will be awarded.

Contact Details and How to Apply

If you are interested in applying, please download the Application Form, Job Description and Equity & Diversity monitoring at the bottom of this page. 

Fill in your Application Form and Equity & Diversity monitoring before proceeding to 'Apply Now'.

Please fill out the application form paying particular attention to the details of your relevant experience, knowledge and skills, which is used for shortlisting against the person specification. It is best not to assume prior knowledge and higher scoring is more likely if you explain carefully why you meet the person specification in the Job Description.

CVs may be supplied as additional information but will not be used for initial shortlisting, rather used in subsequent steps.

When you click 'Apply Now' you will be asked to attach your completed documents via our HR portal as part of the submission process. The portal will stay open for 24 hours to allow you to upload your documents. If the portal has closed to you, please email your documents to HR@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Apply Now

To apply by post, please send applications marked confidential to HR, Avon Wildlife Trust, 17 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5QT to arrive by the closing date.

Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 17th May 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview by an initial selection panel. First interviews may be online on Thursday 21st May 2026.

Leading candidates may then be asked to attend a second interview in person on Thursday 28th May 2026.

(Please let us know in your application if you are unable to make any of these dates - we may be able to arrange a suitable alternative)

If you would like to discuss this role or have any questions, please email hr@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk and a conversation can be arranged.

For equal opportunities purposes, we are unable to accept only CVs.

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No agencies please.

Registered Charity 280422