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- Tasks: Lead ecological projects, conduct surveys, and mentor junior staff while enhancing biodiversity.
- Company: Join an award-winning environmental consultancy focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment and work on diverse, meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology, strong field skills, and project management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking enthusiastic, skilled and highly motivated Principal and Senior Ecologists to join our award‑winning consultancy, based in either our Haywards Heath or Portsmouth office. You will work on a diverse portfolio of projects involving habitat creation, river restoration, natural flood management, Biodiversity Net Gain, ecological impact assessment and protected species surveys. Working closely with our engineering, geomorphology, heritage and landscape teams, you will help deliver nature‑based solutions that restore natural processes, enhance biodiversity and build resilience to climate change.
As an employee‑owned organisation, we invest in professional development, encourage innovation, support collaboration and empower staff to deliver high‑quality technical work that benefits clients, communities and the natural environment. You will be joining an award‑winning environmental and engineering consultancy which puts innovation, sustainability and resilience at the heart of its work.
Your Role
As a Principal or Senior Ecologist, you will provide high‑level technical expertise and guidance across a wide range of project types and scales. You will take responsibility for managing complex projects, supporting business development and helping to drive growth, quality and innovation. Many projects will relate to our framework success with the Environment Agency, supported by a varied portfolio of development and planning work for local authorities, third‑sector organisations and private commercial clients. This diversity offers opportunities to apply ecological expertise across different contexts and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing specialist ecological expertise, guidance and technical review
- Overseeing the design and delivery of ecological surveys, assessments and mitigation strategies
- Leading project management to achieve quality, programme and budget targets
- Undertaking habitat and species surveys and delivering mitigation across varied sites
- Producing clear, accurate and high‑quality reports and analysis
- Mentoring staff, supporting development and offering constructive feedback
- Sharing knowledge, best practice and innovative approaches within the team
- Building strong client relationships and supporting effective collaboration
- Contributing to business development through tenders, networking and identifying new opportunities
Qualifications
We are seeking candidates with:
- A BSc and/or MSc degree (or equivalent) in Ecology or a closely related subject
- Full CIEEM membership, with Chartered status advantageous
- Full UK driving licence
Essential attributes include:
- Strong field skills across protected species and habitats, ideally with a survey licence (bat and water vole licences desirable).
- Experience producing high‑quality ecological reports in accordance with CIEEM guidance and industry standards.
- Good understanding of legislation, including the Habitats Regulations.
- Proficiency in delivering comprehensive BNG assessments.
- Experience in designing, implementing and managing ecological mitigation schemes, including those requiring Protected Species licensing and long‑term monitoring.
- Project management and business development experience, including preparation of quotations, tenders and scopes of work, alongside effective coordination of resources.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams to deliver large, complex and high‑profile projects.
- Willingness to travel as required, with occasional overnight stays for site surveys and meetings.
Desirable experience and skills include:
- Specialist knowledge in aquatic, estuarine and/or coastal ecology.
- A practical understanding of the Water Framework Directive.
- Experience in river restoration techniques.
- Knowledge of habitat restoration and creation principles, including applying nature‑based solutions to deliver sustainable ecological outcomes.
- Ecological Clerk of Works experience.
- QGIS experience.
JBA supports hybrid working which provides for greater flexibility with the way that we work. Roles are available at our Haywards Heath and Portsmouth offices.
Senior / Principal Ecologist (JBA Consulting) employer: Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Ecologist (JBA Consulting)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow ecologists, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, including reports, surveys, and any innovative projects you've been part of. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply for jobs—research the companies! Understand their projects and values, especially JBA Consulting's focus on nature-based solutions. Tailor your conversations to show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at JBA Consulting.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Ecologist (JBA Consulting)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Ecology: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology shine through! We want to see how your skills and experiences align with our mission of enhancing biodiversity and delivering nature-based solutions.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving habitat creation or ecological assessments, so we can see how you fit into our diverse portfolio.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity in applications. Use straightforward language and structure your documents well. This helps us quickly grasp your qualifications and experience, making it easier for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can check out more about what we do while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your ecological knowledge, especially around habitat creation and biodiversity net gain. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how your expertise can contribute to JBA's diverse portfolio.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of complex projects you've managed, highlighting your ability to meet quality, programme, and budget targets. JBA values strong project management, so be ready to demonstrate how you've successfully coordinated resources in multidisciplinary teams.
✨Understand the Legislation
Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation, including the Habitats Regulations and the Water Framework Directive. Being able to discuss how these laws impact ecological assessments and mitigation strategies will show that you're well-prepared for the role.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Remember, JBA is an employee-owned organisation that values collaboration. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their projects and sharing your thoughts on innovative ecological solutions. This will help you stand out as a team player.