Astute's Renewables team is partnering with an Operations and Maintenance specialist supporting utility-scale ground-mounted solar farms across the UK and Europe. We are seeking an Ecology and Civils Operative to join the team, helping maintain, manage, and enhance solar farm sites while delivering key biodiversity and civils responsibilities.
This role offers a salary of up to £38,000 depending on experience, along with a company vehicle and fuel card.
If you are new to the ecology field or a CIEEM-accredited professional seeking hands-on experience and exposure to renewable energy projects, this role offers the opportunity to develop your skills within a supportive and experienced team.
Responsibilities and Duties:
As a Ecologist and Civils Operative you will;
Biodiversity and Ecology
Provide expert advice on site biodiversity in collaboration with the Line Manager.
Conduct biodiversity surveys across sites, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and reporting.
Implement and advise on biodiversity improvements and enhancements.
Support delivery of Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs) and Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs) for solar farm sites.
Contribute to the Integrated Management System to uphold quality, safety, and environmental objectives.
Prepare proposals and reports on biodiversity initiatives for internal and client review.Civils Operative Support
Assist with ongoing maintenance of solar farm sites in line with PPM schedules
Take responsibility for planting, establishment and care of new plants, grass cutting and strimming on site grounds
Carry out targeted weed management and spraying as required
Assist with routine maintenance and operation of site machinery
Manage, store and safely use all substances in line with COSHH Compliance
Support with other installation tasks including cable trenching
Repair and replace perimeter fencing, posts and wires as needed
Work in accordance with company policies, procedures, and site-specific Health & Safety requirements
Professional qualifications
We are looking for someone with the following:
Full, clean UK driving licence.
A professional degree (or equivalent qualification) in Ecology, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Land Management, or a related discipline.
Membership of CIEEM (Student, Qualifying, or Associate level preferred).
Practical land-based or ecological field experience, supported by LANTRA or equivalent qualifications (e.g. tractor driving, brush cutting, City & Guilds / PA weed spraying), would be advantageous
Personal skills
We are looking for someone with the following:
Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
A strong team player with excellent communication skills.
Flexible to travel to sites, including occasional overnight stays.
A practical, proactive, and "can-do" mindset.
Salary and benefits of the Ecologist and Civils Operative role
Salary up to £38,000 depending on experience
Access to company van and tools
25 days Holiday (Plus Bank Holidays)
Additional holiday with long service
Private healthcare, pension, and discretionary bonus
Wellbeing programmes
Life insurance
Critical Illness insurance
Death in service
Training Provided
INDREN
Astute People are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government's Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone, however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful
