At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting ecological projects and mentor junior team members in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Established ecological consultancy with over 25 years of experience and a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and strong commitment to professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse ecological projects while developing your skills and expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or biology, protected species survey experience, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality, diversity, and employee wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
About the Client and Projects
My client is an established independent ecological consultancy with over 25 years of experience delivering high‑quality, practical and well‑considered ecological advice. Their Sussex office has grown into one of the leading consultancies in the South East, supporting a diverse client base across the public and private sectors. Projects are varied and genuinely interesting, ranging from residential and mixed‑use developments to brownfield regeneration, mineral extraction, solar farms, wetland creation and habitat banks, alongside smaller, locally focused schemes.
The Role
This is a senior position offering real variety and influence. You will be involved from early strategic planning through to project delivery and implementation, coordinating high‑quality ecological work and supporting the development of junior team members. You will take on a client‑facing role, leading and contributing to protected species surveys and technical outputs including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments and mitigation strategies. The role offers scope to shape projects, mentor others and further develop your own technical interests.
About You
You will be a motivated and enthusiastic ecologist with strong technical capability and a collaborative approach. Essential experience includes:
- A relevant ecology or biology degree, ideally 2:1 or above
- Protected species and habitat survey experience, including UKHab and solid botanical skills
- Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Confidence using MS Office and QGIS
- A proactive, organised approach and the ability to manage multiple projects
- Willingness to undertake a fair share of night‑time surveys, 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 includes:
- A strong technical specialism, particularly ornithology or botany
- Personal survey licences for bats, dormice or other protected species
- FISC Level 3 or above, or equivalent
What’s On Offer
My client places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, flexibility and long‑term development, offering a genuinely supportive and inclusive working environment. Benefits include:
- Competitive salary, typically ÂŁ35,000 to ÂŁ45,000 for a Senior Ecologist
- Permanent, full‑time contract
- Hybrid working, with up to two days a 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, rising to 30 with service, plus a winter shutdown
- Enhanced pension contributions over time
- Annual company and team events with internal and external speakers
- Family‑friendly policies and volunteering days
- Mobile phone and fieldwork clothing allowance
- Generous training budget and strong commitment to CPD
- Paid professional subscriptions and licence fees
- Employee wellbeing support, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
My client is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. They strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
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). However, if you have not received a response within one working week, please assume your application has been unsuccessful this time round. We will confidentially retain your details and inform you of any other suitable opportunities arising should you not be successful in this role.
Senior Ecologist - Brighton employer: JS Money Limited
Contact Detail:
JS Money Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist - Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow ecologists and industry professionals. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars to meet people who might know about job openings before they’re advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, including surveys, reports, and any projects you’ve led. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out! If you see a role that excites you, drop a message to the hiring manager or recruiter. A friendly email expressing your interest can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities in one place!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist - Brighton
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 ecology or biology degree, survey experience, and any specialisms you have. We want to see how you fit into our team!
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 projects. Be sure to mention your enthusiasm for mentoring and collaboration, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, make sure your application is clear and well-structured. We appreciate concise language and a professional tone, so keep it engaging but to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JS Money Limited
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and protected species. Be ready to discuss your experience with habitat surveys and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role. This will show your technical capability and enthusiasm for the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves client-facing responsibilities, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ecological concepts to clients or team members in the past. This will demonstrate your excellent verbal communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've managed multiple projects simultaneously. Highlight your proactive and organised approach, and share specific examples of how you've coordinated ecological work or mentored junior team members. This will showcase your ability to handle the senior responsibilities of the role.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Continuous Learning
With a strong commitment to CPD being a key aspect of the role, express your eagerness to further develop your technical interests. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've pursued, and be open about your willingness to take on new challenges, such as night-time surveys.