Senior/Principal Ecologist/Ornithologist in Kent

Your new company 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.

Your new role involves joining 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. This role will have responsibility for:

• 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.
• Line management responsibility as the team grows, mentoring junior colleagues, reviewing work and supporting their development.
• Acting as a technical lead and key point of contact for clients, planners and statutory consultees, delivering clear, proportionate advice that stands up to scrutiny.

What you'll need to succeed:

• A degree (or higher qualification) in ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in ecological consultancy or a comparable senior role.
• A strong ornithological background, including survey design, coordination, data interpretation and impact assessment.
• Excellent written communication skills, with a particular emphasis on clear, robust technical reporting.
• A good understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work and meetings.
• Chartered status or CIEEM membership, experience with appeals or examinations, and protected species licences would be beneficial but are not essential.

Proven experience with:

• Ecological assessments for internationally designated sites (SPA, Ramsar and HRA).
• Preparation and review of Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA).
• Authoring ecology chapters for Environmental Statements.
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment and reporting.

What you'll get in return:

• A competitive salary in the region of £35,000-£50,000 depending on experience, with flexibility for the right candidate.
• A genuinely senior technical role with autonomy and influence.
• 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.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.