Senior Ecologist in Petworth

Bennett and Game are recruiting for a Senior Ecologist who is required to join a well-established and values-led ecological consultancy based near Lodsworth, West Sussex. The consultancy delivers a wide range of ecological services across the South of England, working on residential developments, historic buildings, renewable energy schemes, habitat banks, biodiversity audits and community engagement projects.

The successful Senior Ecologist will manage their own portfolio of projects, undertake and oversee protected species surveys, prepare technical reports and support junior members of the team. The consultancy works with a broad range of private and charitable clients, including regular projects for prominent conservation and heritage organisations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Ecologist or Senior Ecologist seeking varied project work, strong career development and a supportive working environment. The company is currently operating a successful four-day working week trial, with employees working 32 hours across Monday to Thursday.

• Salary of £35,000-£40,000
• 32-hour working week across Monday to Thursday
• Hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week from the Lodsworth office
• 25.5 days' annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Full private medical insurance
• Additional payment of £6 per hour for unsociable hours
• Access to company pool vehicles for work purposes
• Annual salary reviews
• Ongoing training and career development
• Exposure to specialist survey equipment including thermal cameras, infrared cameras, static acoustic recorders, trail cameras and drones

• Relevant degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
• Approximately four or more years' experience within UK ecological consultancy
• Experience independently managing ecology projects from initial survey through to reporting and delivery
• Strong experience producing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species reports and mitigation strategies
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological best practice
• Experience undertaking and leading protected species surveys
• At least one protected species survey licence is highly desirable, with bat licensing experience particularly advantageous
• Experience preparing or supporting EPS mitigation licence applications would be beneficial
• Confidence liaising with clients, contractors and planning professionals
• Experience supervising surveys and supporting junior ecologists
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel across southern England and occasionally further afield
• Ability to attend the Lodsworth office at least two days per week

• Manage a varied portfolio of ecological consultancy projects
• Undertake, coordinate and lead protected species and habitat surveys
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, including PEAs, EcIAs and protected species reports
• Produce mitigation, enhancement and habitat management recommendations
• Support and prepare protected species licence applications
• Manage project budgets, deadlines and client expectations
• Prepare quotations and fee proposals
• Liaise with clients, planning authorities and other project stakeholders
• Supervise and mentor junior ecologists
• Review survey data and contribute to technical quality assurance
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, habitat bank projects and habitat creation schemes
• Assist with the development and implementation of emerging survey techniques and digital data collection methods