Senior/Principal Ecologist/Ornithologist in Canterbury, Kent

My client is a growing, well-established ecological consultancy based in Kent, working primarily across the South East and East Anglia, with the ability to support projects further afield where required. Their core workload focuses on town and country planning applications, including residential developments, education projects, and specialist one-off commissions. They also have experience of Development Consent Order (DCO) work, providing a strong foundation for complex consenting environments.

The organisation has a collaborative, technically focused culture, supported by specialist sub-consultants where appropriate, particularly for ornithological survey delivery, allowing internal staff to focus on high-quality reporting, assessment and project coordination. They are widely regarded for offering an excellent work/life balance, with progressive policies that go beyond industry norms, particularly around fieldwork intensity and recovery time.

You will join the organisation as a Senior or Principal Ecologist/Ornithologist, taking a senior technical role within a close-knit ecology team currently comprising an assistant ecologist, a consultant, two senior ecologists, two principal ecologists and the Ecology Director.

• Leading ornithological reporting for projects involving EcIA and HRA, particularly in relation to internationally designated sites.
• Coordinating, programming and overseeing bird survey work, much of which is carried out by specialist subcontractors.
• Interpreting survey data and producing high-quality, defensible reports for planning, appeal and examination.
• While there are no immediate direct reports, the role would include line management responsibility as the team grows, and you will play an important mentoring role, reviewing work and supporting the development of more junior colleagues.

A degree (or higher qualification) in ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related discipline is required, along with:

• A strong ornithological background, including survey design, coordination, data interpretation and impact assessment.
• A good understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work and meetings.
• Authoring ecology chapters for Environmental Statements.
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment and reporting.

A competitive salary in the region of £35,000-£50,000 depending on experience, with flexibility for the right candidate. An outstanding approach to work/life balance, including:

• Time-and-a-quarter TOIL, clear limits on nocturnal survey work, and a guaranteed full month-break from nocturnal surveys once per year to avoid burnout.
• Standard working hours of 9:00-5:30, Monday to Friday, with flexible hours where needed.
• Hybrid working arrangements (2 days in the office p/week ideally).
• Vitality health insurance.
• Pension plan.
• Annual leave allowance that increases with service.