At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and mentor junior ecologists in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy focused on ecology with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature while accelerating your career in a growing team.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or biology, protected species survey experience, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a friendly team with excellent career growth and wellbeing support.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 37000 ÂŁ per year.
My client is seeking a Senior Ecologist to help establish and lead ecological work from their Sheffield office. Applications are also welcomed from ecologists operating at Consultant or Principal level, offering flexibility for the right individual. This is a standout opportunity for an ambitious and confident ecologist who wants to play a key role in building a growing regional presence, supported by an experienced and well‑resourced national ecology team. If you are motivated by responsibility, influence and clear progression, this role offers a genuine platform to accelerate your career.
As part of a multi‑disciplinary consultancy, you will work closely with colleagues across planning, landscape and masterplanning, gaining valuable exposure to the wider development process and helping to deliver outcomes that balance people and nature. The Sheffield office offers a collaborative environment alongside a small, friendly team of allied professionals.
The Role
The role offers a varied and engaging project portfolio, with involvement from early strategic planning through to delivery on the ground. You will coordinate and deliver high‑quality ecological work, take ownership of projects and play an active role in recruiting, mentoring and developing junior ecologists. As a senior member of the team, you will be client facing and technically hands‑on, leading protected species surveys and overseeing technical outputs including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments and mitigation strategies.
About You
You will be an enthusiastic, organised and proactive ecologist with strong technical capability and the confidence to help grow a new team.
Essential Experience
- A relevant ecology or biology degree, ideally 2:1 or above
- Protected species survey experience, including personal species survey licences
- Strong habitat survey experience, including UKHab, with sound botanical skills
- Excellent knowledge of UK wildlife legislation
- Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills
- Competence with MS Office and QGIS
- A collaborative, hardworking approach with the ability to manage multiple projects
- A forward‑thinking mindset and interest in new guidance, methods and innovation
- willingness to undertake a fair share of night‑time surveys, typically one or two per week during the main season, with occasional overnight stays
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use
- Membership of CIEEM at ACIEEM level or above
Desirable Experience
- A strong technical specialism, such as bats, ornithology or botany
- A Level 2 bat licence
- FISC Level 3 or above
What’s On Offer
My client is committed to creating a supportive, flexible and rewarding working environment, with a strong focus on wellbeing and professional development. The benefits package includes:
- Competitive salary, typically ÂŁ35,000 to ÂŁ43,000 for a Senior Ecologist, up to ÂŁ58,000 for a Principal
- Permanent, full‑time contract
- Hybrid working, with up to two days per week from home
- Flexible working around core hours
- Annual profit‑related and performance‑based bonus
- Paid overtime for out‑of‑hours survey work
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service, plus a winter shutdown
- Enhanced pension contributions with length of service
- Annual staff trip and regular team social events
- Annual company and ecology team days with internal and external speakers
- Mobile phone and fieldwork clothing allowance
- Generous training budget and clear commitment to CPD
- Paid professional subscriptions and licence fees
- Employee wellbeing support, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme
Contact Us
If you are interested in finding out more about this position or similar roles currently and would like a discreet non‑committal chat, please contact Jeremy Money (jeremy@jsm-associates.co.uk). We will confidentially retain your details and inform you of any other suitable opportunities arising should you not be successful in this role.
Phone: 01934 312 155
Email: jeremy@jsm-associates.co.uk
Website: www.jsm-associates.co.uk
Twitter: @JSMAssociates
Senior or Principal Ecologist - Sheffield in London employer: JS Money Limited
Contact Detail:
JS Money Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior or Principal Ecologist - Sheffield in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other ecologists, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, including protected species surveys and habitat assessments. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your expertise can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like ours at StudySmarter, and express your interest in working with them. A friendly email can go a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We often have exclusive job listings that might not be found elsewhere. Keep an eye on our careers page and apply directly through us to increase your chances of landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior or Principal Ecologist - Sheffield in London
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 relevant ecological work, especially any protected species survey experience or habitat survey skills that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to our growing team in Sheffield. Don’t forget to mention your collaborative approach and any leadership experience you have.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical capabilities! Be sure to include any relevant qualifications, like your Level 2 bat licence or FISC Level 3, and mention your proficiency with tools like MS Office and QGIS. This will help us understand your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at JS Money Limited
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and protected species surveys. Be ready to discuss your experience with habitat surveys and any specific technical specialisms you have, like bats or botany. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a passionate ecologist who knows their stuff.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves client-facing responsibilities, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to explain complex ecological concepts in simple terms, as well as how you've successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in the past. Good communication can set you apart!
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
As a senior member of the team, you'll be expected to mentor junior ecologists. Think of examples where you've taken charge or helped others grow in their roles. Highlighting your leadership skills will show that you're ready to take on more responsibility and help build the team.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific ecological challenges or project management situations. Being able to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and proactive mindset will impress the interviewers and show you're a great fit for the role.