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

Principal / Associate Ecologist – Launch your own Ecology office

Building Biodiversity Better – Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology. At Ecology by Design, we redefine what it means to be an ecological consultant, blending scientific rigor with creativity and innovation. Your expertise drives real‑world change, free from bureaucracy and endless process.

If you are a Principal or Associate level ecologist ready to take ownership, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. Join a passionate, forward‑thinking team where autonomy, trust, and technical excellence go hand in hand.

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. The right candidates will also have the opportunity to open and run their own office backed by Ecology by Design.

The Role at a Glance

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

Why Join Ecology by Design?

We’re not your typical corporate consultancy – and that’s exactly the point. We’re an independent, people‑first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity. Forget timesheets, clock‑watching, and rigid hierarchies. Here you manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them.

Our offices are dog‑friendly, relaxed, and full of energy. You’ll be surrounded by passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other.

We’re proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from all backgrounds – LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and from a wide mix of cultures and experiences. We see diversity as our collective superpower.

If you love exploring new ideas – whether experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies, or building a new business from scratch – you’ll have our full support. Our trust‑first policy means we 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
• Have 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/expertise

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work – including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) 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 – About You

• 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, with the ability 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: a flexible mix of home and office base
• Excellent training and development, including an 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 to support a healthy work‑life balance
• 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, offering in‑house mental health support and encouraging appropriate leave throughout projects.

Apply today and join a values‑driven consultancy where your work truly matters – to our clients, our communities, and the planet.