Associate Consultant - Nature, Ecology and Biodiversity

Join a consultancy that’s delivering real results for nature.

At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, we’re proud to partner with a forward-thinking sustainability consultancy that is redefining how ecology and biodiversity are integrated into development and land management.

Their mission is clear: to ensure that biodiversity is not only protected from harm, but actively enhanced — going beyond policy and legislation to create lasting positive outcomes for nature.

We’re looking for a motivated Associate to lead and deliver high-impact ecology and biodiversity projects, ensuring that both client objectives and environmental goals are met.

The Role

As an Associate, you’ll take ownership of complex ecological and biodiversity projects, from conception through to delivery. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to clients, manage budgets and project teams, and play a key leadership role within the Nature Team.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading and delivering high-impact ecology and biodiversity projects.

• Managing complex projects independently, from start to completion.

• Collaborating with colleagues across disciplines to deliver large-scale work.

• Producing fee quotations, managing budgets, and liaising directly with clients.

• Delivering large and/or complex projects while maintaining technical excellence.

• Supporting the Nature Team by reviewing reports and proposals.

• Providing training, mentoring, and line management to Principals, Seniors, and junior colleagues.

• Contributing to business development, sales, and annual departmental planning.

• Undertaking ecological surveys and assessments appropriate to your expertise.

• Writing complex reports, including technical and strategic ecological documentation.

This role combines technical leadership, project delivery, and team development, making it ideal for an experienced consultant ready to take the next step in their career.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications and Accreditations

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field (MSc desirable).

• Full membership of CIEEM (or equivalent).

Key Attributes

• Highly organised, motivated, and capable of managing multiple complex projects.

• Strong communication, report writing, and client care skills.

• Excellent time management and leadership ability.

• Confident in project management, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement.

• Committed to continuous improvement and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of best practice.

Ecology Skills and Knowledge

You should be accomplished in:

• Botany and habitat identification and PEA survey/report preparation.

• Bat survey design, call identification, and mitigation strategies.

• Herpetofauna surveys, including reptiles and GCNs, and associated mitigation.

• An advanced understanding of protected species legislation and survey methods for species such as dormice, badgers, invertebrates, birds, and plants.

• Protected species mitigation licence preparation (bat licensing essential).

• HRA and Appropriate Assessment, Ecological Impact Assessment, and BREEAM Land Use & Ecology assessments.

• Holding protected species licences (bats, GCN, or others) is desirable.

Biodiversity Skills and Knowledge

• Expertise in BNG baselining, habitat classification, and botanical identification.

• Detailed understanding of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and how to apply it.

• Working knowledge of how GIS can support BNG analysis and optimisation.

• Strong understanding of BNG legislation, policy, and best practice.

• Familiarity with habitat creation, enhancement, and offsetting principles.

• Knowledge of River MoRPh assessment principles (accreditation not required).

• Proven experience preparing Biodiversity Gain Plans (BGPs), LEMPs, and HMMPs.

• Ability to produce ecological management plans aligned with current best practice.

What’s on Offer

Our client offers an inclusive and collaborative environment where you can grow, lead, and make a tangible impact. You’ll enjoy:

• Competitive salary with potential for a discretionary bonus.

• 23 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays.

• Enhanced pension contributions.

• Hybrid working, including the opportunity to work from abroad for a set period each year.

• Training and development programmes tailored to your professional growth.

• Enhanced family leave policies.

• Two annual volunteer days to support causes you care about.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Access to an online benefits platform including shopping discounts, health and wellbeing services, 24-hour GP access, and gym membership.

• Opportunities to shape industry best practice through professional body groups and initiatives.

• Regular social events and team activities.

Ready to make a measurable difference for biodiversity?

If you’re an experienced ecology professional ready to lead, inspire, and deliver meaningful environmental outcomes — we’d love to hear from you.