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- Tasks: Lead ecological projects, conduct surveys, and deliver impactful environmental solutions.
- Company: Award-winning consultancy focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to meaningful environmental outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in biodiversity and climate resilience while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology, strong field skills, and project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are seeking enthusiastic, skilled and highly motivated Principal and Senior Ecologists to join our award-winning consultancy, based in either our Haywards Heath or Portsmouth office. You will work on a diverse portfolio of projects involving habitat creation, river restoration, natural flood management, Biodiversity Net Gain, ecological impact assessment and protected species surveys. Working closely with our engineering, geomorphology, heritage and landscape teams, you will help deliver nature-based solutions that restore natural processes, enhance biodiversity and build resilience to climate change.
As an employee-owned organisation, we invest in professional development, encourage innovation, support collaboration and empower staff to deliver high-quality technical work that benefits clients, communities and the natural environment. You will be joining an award-winning environmental and engineering consultancy which puts innovation, sustainability and resilience at the heart of its work.
Your Role
As a Principal or Senior Ecologist, you will provide high-level technical expertise and guidance across a wide range of project types and scales. You will take responsibility for managing complex projects, supporting business development and helping to drive growth, quality and innovation. Many projects will relate to our framework success with the Environment Agency, supported by a varied portfolio of development and planning work for local authorities, third-sector organisations and private commercial clients. This diversity offers opportunities to apply ecological expertise across different contexts and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Providing specialist ecological expertise, guidance and technical review
- Overseeing the design and delivery of ecological surveys, assessments and mitigation strategies
- Leading project management to achieve quality, programme and budget targets
- Undertaking habitat and species surveys and delivering mitigation across varied sites
- Producing clear, accurate and high-quality reports and analysis
- Mentoring staff, supporting development and offering constructive feedback
- Sharing knowledge, best practice and innovative approaches within the team
- Building strong client relationships and supporting effective collaboration
- Contributing to business development through tenders, networking and identifying new opportunities
We are seeking candidates with:
- A BSc and/or MSc degree (or equivalent) in Ecology or a closely related subject
- Full CIEEM membership, with Chartered status advantageous
- Full UK driving licence
Essential attributes include:
- Strong field skills across protected species and habitats, ideally with a survey licence (bat and water vole licences desirable).
- Experience producing high-quality ecological reports in accordance with CIEEM guidance and industry standards.
- Good understanding of legislation, including the Habitats Regulations.
- Proficiency in delivering comprehensive BNG assessments.
- Experience in designing, implementing and managing ecological mitigation schemes, including those requiring Protected Species licensing and long-term monitoring.
- Project management and business development experience, including preparation of quotations, tenders and scopes of work, alongside effective coordination of resources.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams to deliver large, complex and high-profile projects.
- Willingness to travel as required, with occasional overnight stays for site surveys and meetings.
Desirable experience and skills include:
- Specialist knowledge in aquatic, estuarine and/or coastal ecology.
- A practical understanding of the Water Framework Directive.
- Experience in river restoration techniques.
- Knowledge of habitat restoration and creation principles, including applying nature-based solutions to deliver sustainable ecological outcomes.
- Ecological Clerk of Works experience.
- QGIS experience.
We're always on the lookout for talented, committed and inspiring people to join us in our ambition to lead in the pursuit for resilience to climate change. In return, we offer rewarding careers with continued opportunities and dedicated support for personal development. JBA supports hybrid working which provides for greater flexibility with the way that we work. Roles are available at our Haywards Heath and Portsmouth offices.
Principal and Senior Ecologists employer: JBA
Contact Detail:
JBA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal and Senior Ecologists
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to meet potential employers and fellow ecologists. Don't be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for ecology; you never know who might have a job lead!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, including reports, surveys, and any innovative projects you've been part of. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current ecological legislation and trends. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the company's projects, especially in areas like Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat restoration.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our award-winning consultancy and contributing to meaningful environmental outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal and Senior Ecologists
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in habitat creation and biodiversity. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to the environment.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal or Senior Ecologist. Highlight relevant experience, especially in ecological assessments and project management. We love seeing how your skills align with our diverse portfolio of projects!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate high-quality reports, so show us you can communicate effectively right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find more info about our amazing team and projects there!
How to prepare for a job interview at JBA
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your ecological knowledge, especially around protected species and habitats. Be ready to discuss your field skills and any relevant survey licences you hold, as these will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you've managed complex tasks, met quality targets, and worked within budgets. Highlight your experience in business development and how you've contributed to successful tenders or proposals.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with engineers, geomorphologists, or other specialists. Be ready to share how you’ve built strong client relationships and supported effective teamwork.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Innovation
The consultancy values innovation and nature-based solutions, so come prepared with ideas or examples of how you've applied innovative approaches in your previous work. This could include habitat restoration techniques or unique ecological assessments you've conducted.