Senior Ecologist in Bath

Senior Ecologist

Department: Field Team

Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time

Location: Bath

Reporting To: Steph Green

Compensation: £32,000 – £39,000 / year

Description

Ethos Environmental Planning Ltd is part of the Celnor Group a network of specialist environmental, testing, inspection, and risk-management businesses committed to protecting people, places, and the planet. Being part of Celnor provides access to shared tools, development pathways, and group-wide opportunities, while retaining the expertise and identity that makes Ethos a trusted ecological consultancy.

Ethos is an environmental planning consultancy based in the world heritage city of Bath and working across the UK. We are a multi-disciplinary consultancy providing decision-making in relation to planning with a focus on ecology, green space, and biodiversity net gain.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to lead ecological assessments, manage projects, and support the delivery of high-quality ecological advice across a wide range of development and conservation projects. The role will be based at our Bath office.

Key Responsibilities

Surveys & Fieldwork

• Lead UK Habitat surveys and condition assessments
• Lead protected species surveys (e.g., great crested newts, bats, reptiles, dormouse, birds)
• Deliver ecological supervision including watching briefs, toolbox talks, and Ecological Clerk of Works duties

Ecological Assessment

• GIS mapping of habitats and ecological features
• Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using DEFRA Metric and other similar metrics (including BREEAM, Habitat Regulations)
• Prepare survey reports, Environmental Statement chapters, licence applications, management plans, mitigation strategies, and other documents
• Analyse and interpret ecological data in detail
• Assess development impacts and develop mitigation recommendations and monitoring schemes
• Apply current ecological policy, legislation, and guidance
• Undertake quality assurance of reports

Project Management

• Manage a range of projects, including more complex survey programmes
• Lead communication with clients and stakeholders
• Attend project meetings and provide ecological advice
• Consult with statutory and non-statutory consultees
• Prepare quotes, invoices, and manage project budgets

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Minimum 4 years’ experience as an ecologist (including experience undertaking most of the aforementioned tasks)
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience
• Associate membership of CIEEM (or equivalent)
• Strong fieldwork and species ID skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lead and work collaboratively within teams
• Enthusiasm and initiative for learning
• Ability to manage your own time and workload independently
• Hold a UK driving licence

Why join us?

• Lead projects and practice in a senior, influential role
• Work as part of a growing and respected consultancy
• Access to group-wide learning programmes, career development, and networks
• Contribute to projects that make a real environmental impact

Benefits

• 25 days leave (pro rata)
• Ethos offers a discretionary 9-day fortnight where staff receive every other Friday off
• Staff support/mentoring
• Flexible working hours are available, including working at home, to be agreed with the Managing Director
• TOIL and overtime
• We will provide a minimum of 4 days formal training per year (minimum 2 days external)
• Work related expenses paid, including mileage at 0.45p
• Statutory Sick Pay and Maternity leave will apply in line with the most recent government guidance
• A contributory pension scheme is available to employees where up to 4% of salary can be paid in by employees which is matched as a salary addition by the employer