At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and manage projects while supporting junior team members.
- Company: Established environmental consultancy with a focus on impactful projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, remote options, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role and make a real difference in the environmental sector.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology, 2-4 years experience, and bat licence holder.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
An established environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its growing team. This role offers a varied workload across infrastructure, construction, and development projects, combining fieldwork, technical leadership, and project delivery. You’ll work closely with project managers and senior colleagues, acting as a technical lead on ecological matters while supporting junior team members and ensuring projects are delivered to a high professional standard.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver protected species surveys, including bats.
- Act as technical ecological lead across a range of projects.
- Undertake and manage Ecological Clerk of Works duties on site.
- Complete UKHab / Phase 1 surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
- Support the preparation of HRAs, mitigation licences, and EIA ecology inputs.
- Assist with project coordination from inception through to completion.
- Ensure compliance with ecological legislation, licences, and planning conditions.
- Review and guide the work of junior ecologists.
What You’ll Bring
- Degree in ecology or a related environmental discipline.
- Minimum 2-4 years’ UK experience in ecological consultancy or related sector.
- Bat licence holder (Level 1, working towards Level 2).
- Strong experience in protected species and habitat surveys.
- Sound understanding of the planning system, including BNG.
- Proven technical report writing and quality assurance skills.
- Confident communicator with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.
- Ability to manage workloads and coordinate surveys effectively.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and work survey hours.
Desirable:
- Membership of CIEEM (or working towards chartership).
- Experience producing protected species licences.
- Background in infrastructure, transport, or property development projects.
- Additional protected species licences (GCN, dormice, reptiles, barn owls).
- Experience with EIAs, HRAs, and GIS mapping.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Remote working and site visits.
- Company car or car allowance with mileage.
- Flexible working hours and hybrid arrangements.
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthday leave.
- Pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Why Apply?
This role offers the chance to step into a senior position within a supportive consultancy, delivering high-quality ecological services on diverse and meaningful projects. You’ll benefit from flexibility, strong career development, and the opportunity to make a real impact across the environmental sector.
Ecologist to Senior Ecologist in Southampton employer: Cobalt Recruitment
Join an established environmental consultancy that prioritises employee growth and a supportive work culture. With flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits, and opportunities for ongoing professional development, this role as a Senior Ecologist allows you to make a meaningful impact on diverse projects while collaborating with a dedicated team of experts in the field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecologist to Senior Ecologist in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Cobalt Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Cobalt Recruitment and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Ecologist to Senior Ecologist in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Cobalt Recruitment.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Cobalt Recruitment will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Ecologist to Senior Ecologist at Cobalt Recruitment. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cobalt Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Cobalt Recruitment, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Cobalt Recruitment that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
