At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects, manage budgets, and mentor junior staff while conducting fieldwork.
- Company: Join a passionate ecological consultancy dedicated to high-quality ecology and client service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development budget, private medical insurance, and a company van.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and work with a close-knit team of experts.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of consultancy experience, CIEEM membership, and protected species survey licences required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are a growing ecological consultancy based in Tidworth, providing specialist advice and survey services to clients across southern England and Wales. Our work spans habitat assessments, protected species surveys, environmental impact assessments, tree surveys, landscape planning and biodiversity net gain calculations. We’re a passionate, close‑knit team committed to delivering high‑quality ecology alongside outstanding client service.
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.
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:
- 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
- Additional survey licences (e.g., rare reptile, barn owl, white‑claw crayfish)
- FISC level 4
- Track record of preparing project mitigation licences
- Track record of business development or client acquisition
What we offer:
- Contract: Permanent
- Office location: Aylesbury/Oxford/Bristol
- 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).
- One professional membership paid
- All work‑related expenses paid
- 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
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a short covering letter (no more than one page) explaining why you’re a great fit for this role to info@wessexecology.co.uk. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
SENIOR ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT in Bristol employer: Wessex Ecology Ltd
Wessex Ecology is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where passionate ecologists can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide generous benefits including a personal training budget, private medical insurance, and a profit-related bonus after one year, all while working in the beautiful locations of Aylesbury, Oxford, or Bristol. Join our close-knit team and make a meaningful impact on biodiversity and environmental conservation across southern England and Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENIOR ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the ecological field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with biodiversity metrics and protected species surveys. We want to see your passion for ecology shine through, so share specific examples of your past projects and successes!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions to ask them too – it shows you’re genuinely interested!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly!
We think you need these skills to ace SENIOR ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANT in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience, especially in ecological consultancy, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in project management and report writing.
Nail the Covering Letter:Keep it short and sweet, but make sure to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Ecological Consultant role. Mention specific experiences that align with our needs, like leading projects or mentoring junior staff.
Show Off Your Qualifications:We want to see your credentials! Make sure to mention your CIEEM membership and any protected species survey licences you hold. This will help us understand your expertise right away.
Apply Through Our Website:While you can send your application via email, we encourage you to apply 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!
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 net gain calculations and protected species surveys. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've applied your expertise in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Ecological Consultant, you'll be expected to manage and mentor junior staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, highlighting your ability to communicate effectively and support others.
✨Demonstrate Your Client Management Experience
Since client relationships are key in this role, think of specific instances where you've managed client accounts or contributed to tenders. Be ready to explain how you maintain strong client relationships and ensure their needs are met.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical skills, particularly in GIS and report writing. Brush up on relevant software like QGIS and be prepared to discuss your approach to quality assurance in survey reports and mitigation strategies.
