Principal / Associate Ecologist - Launch your own Ecology office in Guildford

Building Biodiversity Better

Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology. At Ecology by Design, we're redefining what it means to be an ecological consultant - blending scientific rigour with creativity, innovation, and a genuine commitment to restoring nature. Here, your expertise isn’t boxed in by bureaucracy or lost in endless process. It drives real-world change.

If you’re a Principal or Associate level Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. You’ll join a passionate, forward-thinking team where autonomy, trust and technical excellence go hand in hand - and where your ideas shape landscapes, policy, and the next generation of ecological practice. This isn’t just another consultancy role, it’s a chance to be part of a movement that puts biodiversity, innovation, and people at the heart of everything we do. For the right candidates, it is also a chance to open and run your own office backed by us.

The Role at a Glance

• Location: UK South East / Midlands
• Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent – Part-time and flexible working considered
• Pedigree: CIEEM Registered Practice. Certified “Great Place to Work”
• Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savills, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

Why Join Ecology by Design?

We are not your typical corporate consultancy – we are an independent, people-first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity. No timesheets, clock-watching, or rigid hierarchies. Manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them. Dog-friendly offices, relaxed and full of energy. Team culture: olympic and challenge events, Friday drinks, spontaneous adventures. Diverse and inclusive workplace – LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and many cultures represented. Support for innovation: back innovation, not bureaucracy.

We Aim To

• Drive positive change to how people live with, work in and value the environment
• Achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• Maintain a constant drive for quality and client satisfaction

Company Values

• We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• We are flexible and innovative, but we don’t compromise on quality
• We implement evidence-based, best-practice survey methods and mitigation
• Team members are challenged to grow and develop their talents and expertise

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work – habitat surveys, protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and mitigation design.
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South and Midlands, ensuring high-quality, client-focused outcomes.
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards across the team.
• Support, mentor and guide colleagues (depending on experience level).
• Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy.

Essential Skills & Experience

• A genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation.
• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys.
• Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g., bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Desirable

• Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM or related ecological assessments.
• Experience of mentoring or line management (particularly for Principal-level candidates).
• GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS – training available).
• CIEEM membership (or eligibility).
• Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology-related discipline.
• Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g., Bat Low Impact, Badger).
• Experience or interest in client development and consultancy growth.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working – flexible mix of home and office base.
• Excellent training and development, including unlimited external training budget and in-house learning.
• Paid professional memberships (e.g., CIEEM).
• Apple computer and iPhone provided.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements.
• A supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued.
• A chance to help shape a growing consultancy's culture and direction.

Company Culture

We maintain a healthy, team-oriented, supportive culture. Communication is key to all that we do, both with clients and across the company. We prioritise the health and well-being of our staff: encouraging leave, in-house mental health support, and a safe, valuable workplace. While quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting are core, we also like to have fun.

Apply today

We are a values-driven consultancy where your work truly matters – to our clients, our communities and the planet. If you are an ecologist looking to progress your career and make a tangible difference, whether stepping into senior responsibility or leading projects at a principal level, we’d love to hear from you.