Apprentice Ecologist

Grow valuable fieldwork, organisational and lab skills as an Apprentice Ecologist

Use your passion for science and practical mindset to kickstart your career in a dynamic and varied work environment. Here, you’ll progress, learn and develop within our world while working for a leading science company. You don’t need experience, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and we’ll give you all the tools and resources you need. With on-the-job training, this is your chance to build new and valuable lab skills whilst gaining a recognised qualification – Level 4 (Cert HE) Biological Sciences with Level 3 apprenticeship.

You’ll be based in the Land Use team with a focus on Ecology, your work will include the training and exposure to shape the success of the team, and your career, too.
The work is purposeful, requires great attention to detail and the patience to double check for accuracy, but as an apprentice ecologist, you will be rewarded with real learning on real projects, and make real impact. Move ahead in your career with an apprenticeship at Fera.

Job title:

Apprentice Ecologist

Job Description:

Job title:

Apprentice Ecologist

Job Description:

Fera is a national and international centre of excellence for interdisciplinary investigation and problem solving across plant and bee health, crop protection, sustainable agriculture, food and feed quality and chemical safety in the environment. We support and work closely with governments, academia and leading research organisations to evaluate policy and applied science. We create and deliver integrated, innovative and expert research services and products for our partners in land use, crop protection, chemical and animal health companies, as well as food producers and growers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers. We employ 350 scientists in the extensive laboratory facilities of the National Agri-Food and Innovation Campus where Fera is based. This impressive campus is located near to the village of Sand Hutton which is just a few miles from York and is served by excellent transport links.

The Role:

You will have a significant and valuable opportunity to build a portfolio of skills through on the job training whilst gaining a recognised qualification. This exciting opportunity will ideally be suited to individuals with a scientific and practical mindset and a passion for Ecology and fieldwork who will thrive in an active applied science environment. You must be prepared to attend York St John University to study Level 4 (Cert HE) Biological Sciences.

The position will be based in the Plant Protection Programme at Fera but as part of the role as an ecologist you will be expected to make regular off-site visits to perform field work.The apprentice will contribute towards ecology work within the Land Use team.

What you will receive:

• Level 4 (Cert HE) Biological Sciences
• Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship
• A Salary (per annum): Real Living Wage £19,372 (£21,255 as of 1st April 2023)
• 23 days annual leave allowance, plus 8 days of public holiday.

Requirements

Acceptance is subject to interview and skills test.

Desired qualifications:

GCSE Maths, English and Science – grade C or above/grade 4 or above - Essential

A Level in Biology or Chemistry is preferred but not essential, or Level 3 science-based qualification (e.g. BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science), or relevant experience.

Desired skills:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong IT ability.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn and ability to retain new skills.
• Great attention to detail and the patience to double check work for accuracy.
• The capability to work within deadlines.
• A flexible approach to working in a busy and varied work environment.
• The ability to follow written and verbal instruction.

Personal qualities:

• A passion for science and an interest in Ecology.
• Enthusiasm for working in the field.
• Strong work ethic.
• Punctual.
• Organised, determined and proactive approach to fieldwork and coursework.

What we hope you’ll do next:

Choose ‘Apply now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

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We’re an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. We’re committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format (such as large print or audio), or if you’d like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email Iqbal at reasonableadjustments@capita.com or call 07784 237318 and we’ll get back to you. For more information about equal opportunities and process adjustments, please visit the Capita Careers website.

Location:

York

,

United Kingdom

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Apprentice (Fixed Term)