At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a passionate team of ecologists working on diverse and impactful projects.
- Company: CSA Environmental, a leading ecological consultancy in Sussex with over 25 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for wildlife while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology, strong communication skills, and a passion for the environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and commitment to employee wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
If you are interested in this position, please send your CV to Emilia Cade. If you would like to informally discuss opportunities before applying, Emilia will put you in touch with one of our senior team. We are always happy to hear from prospective candidates and to chat about the role, the team and what CSA may specifically be able to offer to you. We understand the importance of finding a good fit and looking at how CSA may be able to support your career development.
Are you an experienced ecologist looking for a new challenge? Are you based in Sussex or looking to relocate for a fresh start (by the seaside?) Do you want to work as part of a close‑knit team of committed ecologists, for an independent firm which has held a strong reputation for high quality work for over 25 years? If the answer to the questions above is ‘yes’ then CSA Environmental would love to hear from you!
We are looking for an experienced ecological consultant to join our team in Brighton. The CSA Sussex office opened its doors in 2015 and has firmly established itself as one of the leading consultancies in the south‑east, providing ecological advice to a range of clients from house builders and land agents, to Local Authority and private sector clients. Projects include new greenfield residential development, brownfield and mineral extraction sites, solar farms, wetland creation and habitat bank projects (and we get our fair share of interesting local small‑scale projects too). Our four ecology teams (comprising >40 ecologists in total) work closely with each other, as well as our heritage, landscape and urban design teams to bring forward well‑considered development proposals. We work hard to achieve schemes which deliver for people and for wildlife.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Our variety of projects and clients provides a diverse and interesting range of work. You will have opportunities to be involved from the strategic planning phase of projects through to implementation. You will be coordinating and delivering high‑quality work and helping to appoint and develop junior members of the team. As an experienced team member, you will also have an important client facing role. You will be technically accomplished and will coordinate and/or lead protected species surveys, prepare and/or oversee PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments, mitigation strategies and more.
ABOUT YOU
- We are looking for friendly, highly motivated and conscientious individuals, who demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for ecology.
- Protected species survey experience
- Habitat survey experience (including UKHab) and sound botanical skills
- Strong working knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation
- Excellent written English and verbal communication skills
- Skilled with MS Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and QGIS
- Hard‑working and willing to take on new challenges
- Highly organised, able to multi‑task and a strong team player who works well with others
- Forward thinking, with a keen interest in staying up to date with the latest survey techniques, guidance and innovations
- Willingness to undertake a reasonable share of night‑time surveys, including occasional overnight stays (accommodation and subsistence paid)
- Full, clean UK driving licence, with own car insured for business use
- Membership of CIEEM (ACIEEM or above)
- Strong technical specialism (ideally ornithological or botanical)
- Personal survey licences for bats, dormice and/or other species
- FISC level 3 or above (or equivalent)
WHAT WE OFFER
A healthy work‑life balance is very important to us and we seek to provide a supportive, friendly and attractive place to work. In addition, we offer an exciting benefits package, including:
- Competitive salary (Senior Ecologist typically at £35,000 – £43,000 per annum)
- A permanent, full‑time contract
- Hybrid working, with the option to work from home up to 2 days a week
- Flexible working around core hours
- Annual profit related and performance‑based bonus scheme
- Overtime pay arrangement for out‑of‑hours survey work
- 25 days annual leave (3 days to be taken during our winter shutdown), increasing to 30 days with length of service
- Company pension contribution, which increases with length of service
- Annual Company and Ecology Team Days, with internal and external speakers
- Family friendly policies and volunteering days
- Mobile phone and field work clothing allowance
- Commitment to continued professional development, including a generous training allowance for external training courses targeted at your areas of interest and development
- Paid subscription to CIEEM/protected species licence fees
- Commitment to employee wellbeing, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first‑aiders
We are committed to encouraging equality and diversity and welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds. We aim to create an environment in which individual differences and their contributions are recognised and valued.
Senior/Experienced Ecologist (Brighton) employer: Csa Environmental
Contact Detail:
Csa Environmental Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Experienced Ecologist (Brighton)
✨Tip Number 1
Before you apply, why not have a chat with Emilia? She can connect you with one of our senior team members to discuss the role and what we can offer you. It’s a great way to get a feel for the team and see if it’s the right fit!
✨Tip Number 2
Make sure to showcase your passion for ecology during interviews. We love candidates who are enthusiastic about their work and can share their experiences with protected species surveys or habitat assessments. Bring your A-game!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! We’re a close-knit group here at CSA, so showing that you can collaborate effectively with others will definitely give you an edge. Share examples of how you’ve worked well in teams before.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, keep an eye on our website for updates and new opportunities. Applying through our site is the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always keen to hear from passionate ecologists like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Experienced Ecologist (Brighton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in protected species surveys and habitat assessments. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at CSA!
Show Your Passion: In your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology shine through! Share any personal projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to the field. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what they do.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, be clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the team.
Reach Out for a Chat: If you have any questions or want to discuss the role informally, don’t hesitate to reach out to Emilia! We’re always happy to chat and help you understand how you could fit into our close-knit team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Csa Environmental
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of protected species surveys and habitat assessments. Be ready to discuss your experience with UKHab and relevant wildlife legislation, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for ecology during the interview. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that highlight your commitment to both wildlife and community development.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Highlight how you’ve supported junior members or contributed to team success in past roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the company culture, ongoing projects, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in CSA Environmental and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.