Associate Ecologist - Team Lead
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
The Opportunity
Imagine leading a talented ecology team while working a genuine four-day week on full pay. More time to spend with family, pursue your interests or simply recharge, without sacrificing the quality of your work or your career progression.
This is an opportunity to join a consultancy that has built its reputation around trusting its people. Here, flexibility isn't a perk that's difficult to access, it's part of the way the business operates. You'll be encouraged to take ownership, shape the future of your team and enjoy the freedom to do your best work in a way that works for you.
If you're an experienced Principal or Associate Ecologist looking for a leadership role with greater influence, a supportive culture and a healthier balance between work and life, this could be exactly what you're looking for.
About the Business
This well-established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality ecological advice on projects that help shape sustainable development across the UK.
What really sets them apart, however, is their culture.
Their values are Honesty, Caring, Belonging, Opportunity and Enjoyment. They underpin everyday decisions, from how teams collaborate to how people are supported in developing their careers.
People are trusted to manage their own workload, encouraged to share ideas and given the space to grow.
Some employers talk about flexibility. This one has built its business around it.
You'll benefit from:
- A genuine four-day working week with 100% salary—working 80% of the week while receiving full pay.
- Hybrid and flexible working that supports how you work best.
- A collaborative, down-to-earth team where people genuinely enjoy working together.
- Interesting projects across a broad range of sectors with real environmental impact.
- A leadership role with the autonomy to shape your team and influence future growth.
- Ongoing professional development, mentoring and support towards Chartership where needed.
- Transparent career progression and a competitive benefits package.
The Role
As Team Lead, you'll provide operational leadership for the Birmingham ecology team while remaining involved in project delivery and client relationships.
Working closely with senior leaders across the wider ecology business, you'll help guide the team's growth, support project managers, oversee resources and contribute to the continued success of the region.
You'll still be hands-on technically when needed, acting as Project Manager or Project Director on significant commissions, while coaching and developing the next generation of ecological consultants.
This is a role for someone who enjoys bringing people together, solving problems and creating an environment where teams can thrive.
About You
You're likely to be an experienced Principal or Associate Ecologist with a strong consultancy background and a passion for leading people as well as projects.
You'll bring sound technical knowledge, commercial awareness and the confidence to build lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
Membership of CIEEM, ideally Chartered or working towards Chartership, will be important, along with a good understanding of UK planning, environmental legislation and ecological best practice.
Above all, you'll be someone who enjoys supporting others, embraces collaboration and wants to be part of a business where people genuinely matter.
Location & Flexibility
This is a hybrid role based in Birmingham, with flexibility to balance home, office and site work. With 2 days a week from the office or on site.
Interested?
If you're ready to lead a talented team while enjoying the flexibility of a four-day working week and a culture built on trust, collaboration and genuine enjoyment, we'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're actively looking or simply curious about what's out there, we'd be happy to arrange a confidential conversation.
To apply or to have an informal chat about the opportunity, please contact Vicky at vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk or call 07341 020135.