Senior Ecologist

Are you an Ecologist and looking for an opportunity to step up and take on more responsibility? Do you enjoy leading surveys and mentoring junior colleagues? Are you looking for variety with a balance of field and office-based work, and ready to progress your career by managing your own projects?

We’re looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our Terrestrial Ecology team based in/around the South East. This is a hybrid role, with around 50% of your time spent in the field, leading protected species and habitat surveys across the South & South East with the rest of your time desk based either working from home or a local office. You’ll also contribute to tenders, reporting, and client liaison.

In this role, you’ll combine technical expertise with consultancy delivery. You’ll manage your own small and medium-scale projects, support complex ecological assessments (PEA, EcIA, ES chapters), and play a key role in maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships. You’ll also mentor junior staff, helping to develop the next generation of ecologists. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced ecologist who enjoys both technical delivery and leadership, with a clear pathway to Principal Ecologist.

• Lead protected species and habitat surveys across the South and South East.
• Manage your own small- to medium-scale projects from inception to delivery.
• Support complex ecological assessments (PEA, EcIA, ES chapters) and contribute to tender responses, reporting, and client liaison.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to the development of early-career ecologists.
• Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships and contribute to business development efforts.

• Full or Associate membership of CIEEM (or eligibility if not currently held).
• Degree or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject, with a strong academic record.
• Botanical ID skills including experience of UK Hab and condition assessments and/or Phase 1 Habitat surveys.
• Experience writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments and protected species survey reports.
• Experience leading protected species surveys (e.g. dormice, bats, great crested newt, otter, water vole, birds, etc.).
• Proven work-winning track record and experience preparing bids and tenders.
• Up-to-date knowledge of EU and UK ecology-related legislation and planning policy.
• At least one protected species survey licence in England and/or Wales (or experienced botanist FISC level 4 or above).
• A full UK driving licence and ability to travel with some overnight stays.

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. Benefits include private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders, and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. Flexible working options are available to balance work with your life.

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. This may include part-time work or opportunities to gain experience in specific areas; we are a growing company and can adapt roles to reflect individual skills.