At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects, manage budgets, and mentor junior staff while conducting fieldwork.
- Company: Join Wessex Ecology, an independent consultancy making a difference in biodiversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development budget, private medical insurance, and profit-related bonuses.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while advancing your career in ecology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of consultancy experience and full CIEEM membership required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Senior Ecologist or experienced Ecologist ready to step up who is seeking a varied workload to join our independent ecological consultancy. You'll lead ecological projects from inception to completion, manage and mentor junior staff, and serve as a trusted point of contact for clients. This is a hands-on role combining fieldwork, report writing, and project management.
Wessex Ecology is an independent ecological consultancy providing expert advice to developers, landowners, and public-sector clients across southern England and Wales. Our client base includes householders, architects, house builders, water utilities, rural agents and government agencies.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and deliver Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EcIA and EIA chapters, and protected species surveys
- Manage project budgets, timelines, and client relationships
- Provide technical QA and sign-off on survey reports and mitigation strategies
- Mentor and supervise junior team members
- Maintain and develop client accounts
- Contribute to tenders and fee proposals
About You
Essential:
- Minimum 5 years' post-graduate consultancy experience
- Full membership of CIEEM (MCIEEM)
- Confident with BNG assessments and biodiversity metric calculations
- Holding or close to achieving a minimum two protected species survey licences (e.g., great crested newt, bat, dormouse)
- Competence in GIS (QGIS)
- Strong report-writing and communication skills
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Additional survey licences (e.g., rare reptile, barn owl, white-clawed crayfish)
- FISC level 4
- Track record of preparing project mitigation licences
- Track record of business development or client acquisition
Contract: Permanent
Office location: Aylesbury/Oxford/Bristol
Salary: £30,000 - £40,000/annum depending on experience
Hours: 40/week (between May & September these hours worked Monday to Thursday)
Holiday entitlement: 224 statutory holiday hours/year (equivalent to 28 eight hour days). This includes public holidays. In addition to statutory holidays we offer a further 40 hours/year (equivalent to 5 eight hour days).
Benefits: one professional membership paid, all work-related expenses paid, NEST pension after 3 months. After 12 months you will receive a profit related bonus. Personal training budget of £1000/year. Use of Company van for work. Private medical insurance. Death in service benefit.
If you are interested in the role, or to learn more about us and our business please email.
Strictly no agencies.
Senior Ecologist in Aylesbury employer: Wessex Ecology Ltd
Contact Detail:
Wessex Ecology Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist in Aylesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecological field, 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! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, including reports, project summaries, and any successful surveys you've led. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like BNG assessments and client management. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist in Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Ecologist role. Highlight your project management experience, report writing skills, and any relevant ecological consultancy work to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about ecology and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with BNG assessments and protected species surveys.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your documents well so we can easily see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wessex Ecology Ltd
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your ecological knowledge, especially around biodiversity metrics and protected species. Be ready to discuss your experience with BNG assessments and any relevant survey licences you hold. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable expert in the field.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects from start to finish. Highlight your ability to handle budgets, timelines, and client relationships. This is crucial for the role, so be specific about your contributions and outcomes in previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring Experience
Since you'll be managing and mentoring junior staff, think of instances where you've taken on a leadership role. Share how you've supported team members and contributed to their development. This will illustrate your capability to lead effectively within the consultancy.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, ongoing projects, or future opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.