Senior / Principal Ecologist

Join to apply for the Senior / Principal Ecologist role at Ecology by Design. Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology. At Ecology by Design, we're redefining what it means to be an ecological consultant – blending scientific rigour with creativity, innovation, and a genuine commitment to restoring nature. Your expertise isn’t boxed in by bureaucracy or lost in endless process; it drives real‐world change.

If you’re a Senior or Principal Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. You’ll join a passionate, forward‐thinking team where autonomy, trust, and technical excellence go hand in hand – and where your ideas shape landscapes, policy, and the next generation of ecological practice. This isn’t just another consultancy role; it’s a chance to be part of a movement that puts biodiversity, innovation, and people at the heart of everything we do.

The Role at a Glance

• Level: Senior / Principal Ecologist
• Location: Inviting candidates from a 100‐mile radius of Oxford / Chalgrove
• Contract: Full‐time, Permanent – part‐time and flexible working considered
• Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise
• Company: Ecology by Design – a certified Great Place to Work
• Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savils, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

Why Join Ecology by Design

We’re an independent, people‐first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity. Forget timesheets, clock‐watching, and rigid hierarchies. Here, you manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them.

Our offices are dog‐friendly, relaxed, and full of energy. You’ll be surrounded by passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other. We’re a small‐to‐mid‐size team with a genuinely awesome culture – from summer Olympics and Three Peaks challenges to Friday drinks and spontaneous adventures, there’s always something happening if you want to get involved.

We’re proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from all backgrounds – LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and from a wide mix of cultures and experiences. We see diversity as our collective superpower, and we’ll help you use yours to the max.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work – including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, and mitigation design.
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South, and Midlands, ensuring high‐quality, client‐focused outcomes.
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards across the team.
• Support, mentor, and guide colleagues (depending on experience level).
• Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy.

About You

• A genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation.
• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys.
• Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g. bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
• Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM, or related ecological assessments.
• Experience of mentoring or line management (particularly for Principal‐level candidates).
• GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS – training available).
• CIEEM membership (or eligibility).
• Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology‐related discipline.
• Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g. Bat Low Impact, Badger).
• Experience or interest in client development and consultancy growth.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working: a flexible mix of home and office base.
• Excellent training and development, including an unlimited external training budget and in‐house learning.
• Apple computer and iPhone provided.
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work‐life balance.
• A supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued.
• A chance to help shape a growing consultancy's culture and direction.

Company Culture

We maintain a healthy, team‐orientated, supportive culture. Communication is key to all that we do, both with clients and across the company. We prioritise the health and well‐being of our staff. From encouraging people to take appropriate leave throughout projects to in‐house mental health support, keeping our team safe, healthy and feeling valued are all part of our company ethos. Whilst quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting is core to our business, we like to have fun too.

Apply today and join a values‐driven consultancy where your work truly matters – to our clients, our communities, and the planet.