At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

➡️ Love wildlife, conservation and the science behind protecting our natural environment?

➡️ Join Jacobs' specialist Aquatic Ecology team and play a hands-on role in projects that help safeguard some of the UK's most important aquatic habitats and species.

➡️ The work you do will directly support environmental monitoring, compliance and decision-making for critical infrastructure projects across the UK. By processing and analysing samples collected from rivers, estuaries and coastal environments, you'll help generate the data that informs how we protect ecosystems while delivering the infrastructure communities rely on.

This is more than a seasonal role. It's an opportunity to develop practical ecological skills, work alongside industry experts, and contribute to projects that make a genuine difference.

Seasonal Aquatic Ecologist (Laboratory Assistant)

Southampton University (Highfield Campus) | Zero-Hours Contract | Immediate Start

What's In It For You

📈 Build experience that matters

• Gain valuable, hands-on experience working within a professional aquatic ecology laboratory
• Learn from experienced ecologists and aquatic specialists
• Receive training in ichthyoplankton processing and identification techniques
• Opportunity to support ecological field surveys and nationwide projects
• Strengthen your CV with experience from one of the world's leading environmental consultancies

💪 Flexibility around your life

0️⃣ Zero-hours contract offering flexibility and control over your availability.

0️⃣ Statutory Rights: You’re entitled to core rights like National Minimum/Living Wage, paid holiday, rest breaks, payslips, and protection from discrimination.

0️⃣ Opportunity & Experience: Great for building skills, gaining experience, and potentially moving into permanent roles.

0️⃣ Ideal for students, recent graduates, career starters or those looking to gain environmental experience.

0️⃣ Potential to work up to 40 hours per week during busy periods.

Important Considerations:

0️⃣ Income and hours are variable, so earnings aren’t guaranteed.

💷 Competitive rewards

• Competitive hourly pay
• Accrued holiday at 1.2 hours for every 10 hours worked
• All travel and accommodation expenses covered for any fieldwork assignments
• Subsistence allowance provided when working away

Whether you're looking for your first ecology role or want to build experience in a specialist field, this is a chance to get involved in meaningful environmental work from day one.

About the Opportunity

🌿 We're looking for enthusiastic Seasonal Aquatic Ecologists to join our laboratory team based at Southampton University.

🌿 Working alongside experienced aquatic ecologists, you'll help process ichthyoplankton samples collected from locations across the UK. Through training and support, you'll develop specialist skills in laboratory analysis while contributing to projects that support environmental compliance and sustainable development.

🌿 You'll become part of Jacobs' Water and Environment business, where we help clients address some of today's biggest sustainability challenges, including climate resilience, renewable energy, environmental management and protecting natural resources.

🌿 Typical activities will include:

• Processing and analysing ichthyoplankton samples
• Working independently to deliver high-quality laboratory outputs
• Using microscopes and established identification techniques
• Supporting biological data collection and ecological surveys when required
• Contributing to quality-assured environmental assessments

🌿 While the role is primarily laboratory-based, there may also be opportunities to join fieldwork activities with our wider aquatic ecology team across the UK.

Essential

✅ A genuine interest in ecology, aquatic environments or environmental science

✅ Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

✅ A proactive attitude and willingness to learn

✅ Ability to work independently following training

✅ Full UK driving licence

✅ Right to work in the UK

✅ Flexibility to stay away from home for up to four nights per week when supporting fieldwork

Desirable

🌱 Degree (completed or in progress) in Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science or a related subject

🌱 Experience working in a laboratory environment

🌱 Experience using microscopes or biological identification keys

🌱 Interest or background in marine or aquatic ecology

Ready to Dive In?

If you're passionate about the natural world and want to gain practical experience with a team that's helping shape a more sustainable future, we'd love to hear from you.

We're recruiting NOW and looking for people who can start as soon as possible, with interviews being arranged on a rolling basis.

👉 Apply today and spend your summer building specialist ecology skills, working with experts, and making a real impact on the environment.

🏙️ Jacobs offers hybrid working and a standard 40-hour working week

🍀 Good luck with your application

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.