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- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and assessments on diverse projects while mentoring junior staff.
- Company: Established environmental consultancy with a supportive and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days leave, health insurance, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and progress to Principal Ecologist while making a real environmental impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology and experience in ecological assessment and reporting.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a people-focused work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An established and growing environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its multidisciplinary team. This role offers a clearly defined progression pathway to Principal Ecologist, making it ideal for candidates looking to step into technical leadership while continuing to work on varied, high-quality projects. The position is suitable for ecologists at different senior career stages (Early, Mid, or Advanced), with responsibilities aligned to experience and future ambitions.
Role Overview: You will play a key role in delivering ecological surveys, assessments, and reports across a broad portfolio of projects, including infrastructure and development schemes. The role combines technical delivery, mentoring, project leadership, and client engagement within a supportive, forward-thinking consultancy environment.
- Early Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 5–6 years’ experience)
- Lead ecological surveys across a range of habitats and protected species
- Prepare and quality-assure ecological reports and chapters (e.g. PEAs, CEMPs, Appropriate Assessments, NIS, BNG)
- Provide ecological input to planners, engineers, and project teams
- Mentor junior staff in fieldwork, reporting, and professional development
- Support tender preparation and fee proposals
- Develop client relationships and progress towards specialist licences
- Lead large-scale projects, including EIAs and major infrastructure schemes
- Quality-assure complex reports and mitigation strategies
- Deliver internal and external CPD sessions
- Manage staff across multiple survey programmes
- Represent ecology at multidisciplinary design team meetings
- Contribute to business development and long-term client relationships
- Act as a recognised technical expert across multiple project types
- Independently lead ecological input on major projects and regulatory submissions
- Quality-assure complex assessments (EcIA, SEA, NIS)
- Mentor staff across grades and support recruitment and training
- Assist with tender leadership and influence technical standards
- Undertake licensed works and liaise directly with regulators
Skills & Experience:
- Degree in Ecology or a closely related discipline
- Consultancy experience with protected habitats and priority species
- Strong knowledge of UK, Irish, and EU wildlife legislation
- Experience in ecological assessment and reporting, including EIAs
- Proven mentoring and staff development experience
- Excellent report writing, communication, and organisational skills
- Ability to work independently and make robust, defensible decisions
- Invasive species management experience
- Protected species licensing experience (desirable, not essential)
- Full driving licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork
- CIEEM membership is desirable but not essential.
What’s on Offer:
- Clear and supported progression to Principal Ecologist
- Flexible working arrangements and extended leave options
- 25 days annual leave, increasing with service (plus public holidays)
- Private health insurance and company pension scheme
- Performance-related and biannual bonus schemes
- Paid professional memberships and training/CPD
- Support for further professional qualifications
- Cycle-to-work scheme, travel support, company vehicles, and parking
- Regular team events and a genuinely people-focused culture
Senior Ecologist employer: Gaia Talent
Contact Detail:
Gaia Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with fellow ecologists and industry professionals. Attend conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, including reports, surveys, and any projects you've led. This will give potential employers a clear view of your capabilities and experience. Don’t forget to tailor it to the specific role you’re applying for!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Senior Ecologist. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership and mentoring skills.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your ecological survey experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, as this will show us you're a great fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about ecology and how your background aligns with our consultancy's goals. Don't forget to mention your career progression ambitions – we love to see that!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Senior Ecologist, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients and team members. Make sure your application showcases your report writing and communication skills. A well-structured application can really make you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gaia Talent
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your ecological knowledge, especially regarding UK, Irish, and EU wildlife legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since mentoring junior staff is a key part of this role, think of examples where you've successfully guided others. Highlight your approach to professional development and how you can contribute to a supportive team environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about ecological assessments, report writing, and project leadership. Review your past projects and be ready to explain your decision-making process and how you ensure quality in your work.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
This isn't just about answering questions; it's also about building relationships. Ask insightful questions about the company's projects and culture, showing your genuine interest in their work and how you can fit into their team.
