About the role:

Gain Real-World Experience in Ecology

Are you passionate about nature, wildlife, and the environment? This work shadowing opportunity offers a unique chance to gain insight into the role of an ecologist and the vital work they do to protect and manage natural habitats.

LUC’s ecology team is passionate about creating better futures for nature. We recognise how difficult it is to enter the ecological consultancy sector with early-career candidates often having very limited opportunities based on their existing network and contacts. In response, LUC is investing in a new approach, which will allow those with a genuine interest in ecological consultancy to spend a week in July 2026 amongst our team, learning about field skills, nature conservation policy and legislation, and the development industries.

With established teams in Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Glasgow, we support a huge range of projects at local and national levels. We’re enthusiastic about finding new ways to apply emerging ecological principals, technologies and methods to the most challenging of policy and development projects, and we have fun working together along the way.

In 2026 we’ll be working on some of the most exciting projects in UK consultancy. We will work across development types ranging for energy generation to historic building restoration. We will explore habitats from the uplands of Wales and Scotland to central London. We will search for protected species ranging from bats to osprey, via dormouse and otter.

The shadowing opportunity is based in LUC’s offices in Edinburgh or Glasgow. There will be travel required to visit sites and client offices (subsidised by LUC).

What You’ll Do

Successful applicants will follow a structured programme of desk-based learning, field survey shadowing and dedicated contact time with experienced ecological consultants. Tasks and experience will include:

• Shadowing professional ecologists during fieldwork and office-based tasks
• Assisting with basic ecological surveys (e.g. habitats and protected species)
• Learning how environmental data is collected and analysed
• Gaining insight into how nature is considered within the development management context

Who Can Apply

• Students, graduates, or individuals interested in the field of ecological consultancy
• No prior experience required – just enthusiasm and willingness to learn
• Willing to work outdoors in varied weather conditions
• Strong communication and professionalism are desirable

What You’ll Gain

• Practical exposure to the workplace
• Better understanding of career opportunities
• Networking opportunities with professionals
• A valuable addition to your CV

Safeguarding & Risk Information

• We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive experience for all participants.
• All work shadowing placements are risk assessed, including fieldwork environments
• Due to the nature of our work, shadowing opportunities are open to individuals aged 18+
• Participants will receive a health & safety briefing before any activities begin
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided where required (e.g. high-visibility clothing, gloves)
• A responsible supervisor will be assigned at all times during the placement

We follow organisational safeguarding procedures, including:

• Safe working practices and professional boundaries
• Reporting processes for any concerns

• Outdoor work may involve uneven terrain, exposure to weather, and travel between sites; reasonable adjustments will be considered where possible

Experience and qualifications

A shadowing opportunity will allow the successful individual to experience working as part of a team to help meet project objectives. You will complement our existing enthusiastic and dedicated ecology team. You will share our commitment to high-quality science and be motivated to grow your ecology field skills.

Essential

• Experience and knowledge of wildlife in the UK, gained through further / higher education or practical experience
• Willingness to work across the UK, with regular trips away from home (all costs and expenses covered by LUC).
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in variable weather and terrain
• Willingness to work antisocial hours, particularly during the bat survey season when night shift work will be necessary
• Ability to work collaboratively and positively with a small team of colleagues, often for extended periods away from home.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK

Please apply by uploading your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest and experience in ecology via the above link.

The closing date for applications is 12th June 2026.

LUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. We value the differences, needs and contributions a diverse workforce represents, and we strive to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all our people related activities.