Senior Ecologist / Ecological Project Manager in Chichester

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist / Ecological Project Manager to join their growing team. This role would suit either an experienced consultant-level ecologist or a Senior Ecologist who is comfortable managing clients, producing high-quality reports, and using field experience to interpret ecological data. A strong technical focus is required to assess ecological impacts on sometimes complex projects, alongside excellent project management and communication skills. You will play a key role in supporting the wider team, particularly assistant ecologists, and will be encouraged to bring forward ideas to help drive the business towards excellence. The main office is located in Lodsworth. The business prefers staff to attend the office around two days per week, however this is flexible for the right candidate. During the busy season, staff are often working evenings on surveys.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological projects from start to finish, ensuring high-quality outputs
• Manage client relationships and maintain strong communication throughout projects
• Conduct fieldwork and interpret ecological data for complex projects
• Support and mentor junior ecologists and contribute to team development
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, policy, and best practice guidance
• Produce and review technical reports, estimates, and project documentation

This is a Senior Ecologist-level role, however Project Ecologists who are ready to step up will be considered.

Essential Requirements

• Degree and/or postgraduate qualification in ecology or a closely related subject
• Strong field skills and technical knowledge
• Excellent understanding of environmental legislation and best practice guidance
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in ecological consultancy (slightly less may be considered for the right candidate)
• Specialism in at least one protected species – bats, dormice or great crested newts
• Full membership of CIEEM (or eligible and working towards membership)
• Bat Level 2 Licence (essential)
• Proven experience in project management and client liaison
• Proficient in report writing and IT applications
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Willingness to work flexible hours for surveys, including early mornings and evenings
• Full, clean driving licence

Working Hours & Flexibility

• 38 hours per week as standard
• During the busy summer season, hours may increase (typically up to around 48 hours per week) due to the seasonal nature of ecological consultancy
• A Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) system operates, meaning:

• If you work evenings or longer days, you can take time back during the week, or bank hours which are reviewed every three months and can be taken as paid TOIL or converted into additional holiday

Travel

• Work is scheduled so that most travel is within one hour, with a maximum of around 1.5 hours
• Staff are allocated to projects based on location wherever possible
• On rare occasions where travel is significantly further, accommodation will be provided

What’s on Offer

• Health insurance
• An i, or £8 per month paid if you use your own
• Business mileage paid at 45p per mile
• Flexible hybrid working – up to three days per week remote, with more flexibility available for candidates living further afield
• Unsociable hours pay – £6 per hour uplift for work before 8am and after 6pm, plus £2.50 per hour for all other overtime
• 22 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Regular social events (including BBQs, summer fun days and a Christmas party)
• £750 annual training budget
• CIEEM membership paid for
• Work vehicle (subject to requirement)
• Two bonus schemes:

• A quarterly £500 bonus for hitting chargeable hours
• A profit-related bonus

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