At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct ecological surveys and manage projects while mentoring junior team members.
- Company: Reputable ecological consultancies across the UK with a focus on conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, ongoing training, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for hybrid working and project management.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation and development while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or related field with 5+ years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are working on behalf of a number of well‑established and highly regarded ecological consultancies across the UK, offering both Ecologist and Senior Ecologist level opportunities. These positions provide the chance to work across a diverse project portfolio, supporting clients in delivering development and conservation objectives in line with current ecological legislation and best practice. The role will involve a balance of fieldwork and office‑based responsibilities. You will undertake a range of ecological surveys while also contributing to project delivery through report writing, client liaison, and coordination of survey activities. At a more senior level, you will take on greater responsibility for project management, budgeting and mentoring junior team members.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake ecological surveys, including habitat and protected species surveys
- Deliver Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs)
- Design and implement mitigation, compensation, and enhancement strategies
- Prepare technical reports, licence applications, and management plans
- Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies
- Coordinate survey programmes and manage project timelines
- Support or lead project delivery, including budget management
- Mentor and support junior staff, including reviewing technical outputs
The Candidate
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience within ecology (consultancy, local authority, or similar)
- Full membership of CIEEM
- Strong experience delivering ecological surveys and technical reports
- Experience managing projects and client relationships
- Knowledge of UK ecological legislation, policy, and best practice
- Understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
- At least one protected species licence
- Strong communication, organisational, and report‑writing skills
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK
- Experience with UKHab habitat surveys
- Knowledge of DEFRA Biodiversity Metric (v3.1)
- Additional protected species licences (e.g. bats or dormouse)
- Experience securing development licences
- Practical qualifications (e.g. tree climbing, aerial rescue)
Candidate Requirements
All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.
The Package
- Salary starting from £35,000 – £45,000, depending on experience
- Flexible working arrangements (hybrid/home and office‑based options)
- TOIL or paid overtime (dependent on employer)
- Ongoing training, development, and clear career progression opportunities
Ecologist / Senior Ecologist - Various locations across the UK - £35,000 - £45,000 in London employer: Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd
Contact Detail:
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecologist / Senior Ecologist - Various locations across the UK - £35,000 - £45,000 in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with fellow ecologists and industry professionals. Attend conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with ecological surveys and project management. Highlight your knowledge of UK legislation and best practices to show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every consultancy is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to their specific needs. Research their projects and values beforehand, and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their conservation objectives.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings in ecology. Applying through us gives you access to exclusive roles and support throughout the application process. Let’s land that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Ecologist / Senior Ecologist - Various locations across the UK - £35,000 - £45,000 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Ecologist/Senior Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in ecological surveys and project management. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about ecology and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to the job.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We love seeing candidates who are proficient in report writing and have a solid understanding of UK ecological legislation. Make sure to include any relevant software skills, like MS Office, and mention any protected species licences you hold.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Brush up on your ecological knowledge, especially around UK legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss specific surveys you've conducted and how they relate to the role. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves project management, prepare examples of projects you've managed. Talk about budgeting, timelines, and how you coordinated with clients and stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to handle responsibilities at a senior level.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs). Have a couple of case studies in mind where you’ve applied these assessments, and be ready to explain your approach and findings.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Mentoring
If you're applying for a Senior Ecologist position, think about your mentoring experience. Prepare to share how you've supported junior staff, reviewed their work, and contributed to their development. This highlights your leadership skills and commitment to team growth.