Senior Ecologist

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Ecologist to join our growing consultancy team. The successful candidate will lead and support a wide range of ecological projects, including habitat surveys, protected species assessments, ecological impact assessments, biodiversity net gain work, and mitigation design.

This role would suit a technically strong ecologist with excellent field skills, sound knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy, and the ability to manage projects from initial enquiry through to reporting and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Ecologist will be responsible for:

• Planning, managing and undertaking ecological surveys, including UKHab / Phase 1 habitat surveys, protected species surveys and ecological appraisals.
• Preparing high-quality technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, protected species reports, mitigation strategies and management plans.
• Supporting and delivering Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, including habitat condition assessments and use of the statutory biodiversity metric.
• Advising clients, planners, architects and project teams on ecological constraints, opportunities and mitigation requirements.
• Managing ecological projects, including budgets, programmes, subcontractors and client communication.
• Designing and overseeing mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures.
• Supporting protected species licence applications where appropriate.
• Mentoring junior ecologists and reviewing their fieldwork and reports.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, guidance and best practice.
• Contributing to business development, fee proposals and tender submissions.

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate should have:

• A degree in ecology, biological sciences, environmental science or a related discipline.
• Strong professional experience in ecological consultancy or a closely related field.
• Good knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological survey guidance.
• Experience managing ecological projects and producing technical reports.
• Competence in habitat survey and protected species survey work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Membership of CIEEM or eligibility for membership.

Desirable Requirements

The following would be advantageous:

• One or more protected species survey licences, such as bats, great crested newts, dormice or barn owls.
• Experience preparing or supporting European Protected Species licence applications.
• Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and habitat condition assessments.
• Experience using GIS/ Autocad software.
• Botanical survey skills, such as NVC, UKHab or habitat condition assessment experience.
• Experience supervising ecological mitigation works on construction sites.
• Associate or Full membership of CIEEM.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Professional, reliable and commercially aware.
• Confident working independently and as part of a team.
• Able to build strong client relationships.
• Thorough, accurate and attentive to detail.
• Practical and solution-focused.
• Supportive of junior colleagues and willing to share knowledge.
• Passionate about ecology, conservation and high-quality environmental outcomes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Flexible or hybrid working arrangements.
• Professional membership fees paid.
• Training and CPD support.
• Protected species licence support.
• Pension scheme.
• Opportunities for career progression.