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- Tasks: Lead ecological surveys and author reports for exciting development projects.
- Company: Join Penguin Recruitment, a dynamic consultancy focused on ecology in the East of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, TOIL, and access to professional training and diverse projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on renewable energy and infrastructure while prioritising wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's/Master's in Ecology, CIEEM Membership, and protected species survey license preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a supportive team and grow your ecological expertise.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Ecologist – Cambridge
An opportunity is available for an experienced ecologist to join a growing team in the East of England. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering ecological services for major development projects, from fieldwork through to planning support and mitigation. The company values work‑life balance and offers flexible working arrangements, including Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) for fieldwork.
Benefits
- 24-25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Option to buy up to 5 extra holiday days
- Company pension scheme
- Share Incentive Scheme
- Life assurance
- Group disability cover
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Health screening and dental care options
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Access to discounts via BenefitHub
- Car allowance (for applicable roles)
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and design a variety of protected species surveys for major infrastructure and development schemes in the East of England
- Produce technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports, Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs), and Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
- Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, including baseline habitat surveys, habitat condition assessments, Biodiversity Metric calculations, and reporting for planning applications
- Develop and implement mitigation strategies, including obtaining protected species licences (e.g. for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and water voles)
- Assist in the preparation of tenders and fee proposals
- Provide mentoring and support to junior team members, encouraging professional development and hands‑on learning
Ideal Candidate
- Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments
- Proven experience in designing and delivering a wide range of ecological surveys and interpreting findings for planning and mitigation
- Experience in protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) responsibilities
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to work independently when required
- Strong communication and time‑management skills
- A full UK driving licence with business insurance and a willingness to travel throughout the region (occasional overnight stays may be necessary)
Interested in this role? Apply today or feel free to ring Ashleigh Garner at Penguin Recruitment for a confidential chat.
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Senior Ecologist employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the ecology field, especially those who are already working in consultancy roles. Attend local ecological events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific ecological services that the consultancy offers. Understanding their projects and methodologies will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with protected species surveys and ecological assessments in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar projects, as this will showcase your expertise and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices related to biodiversity and ecological assessments. This knowledge will not only enhance your confidence but also position you as a knowledgeable candidate who is committed to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in ecology, particularly any work related to protected species surveys and ecological assessments. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for ecology and your understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the company's focus on renewable energy and infrastructure.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your academic qualifications, including your degree in Ecology or related fields, and any relevant certifications such as CIEEM membership or protected species survey licenses. This will help you stand out as a qualified candidate.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your skills in UK Habitat Classification, ecological mitigation, and report writing. Provide examples of how you've successfully completed similar tasks in previous roles to demonstrate your capability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Ecology
Brush up on your knowledge of UK Habitat Classification and protected species. Be prepared to discuss your experience with ecological surveys and how you've applied your skills in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Reports
Bring examples of your previous ecology reports, such as PEA or EcIA. This will demonstrate your ability to author comprehensive documents and provide insight into your analytical skills.
✨Discuss Mitigation Strategies
Be ready to talk about your experience with ecological mitigation and licensing. Highlight specific projects where you successfully implemented solutions for protected species.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ecological concepts to non-specialists and collaborated within a team.
