Associate – Nature Team (Ecology & Biodiversity)

At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, we’re proud to partner with organisations that are genuinely driving change for the planet. Our clients are leaders in sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental innovation — and we’re passionate about connecting talented people with careers that truly make a difference.

We’re currently working with a pioneering sustainability consultancy whose mission is simple but powerful: to create a more sustainable, resilient world. Through innovation, collaboration, and expertise, they deliver transformative projects that protect and enhance nature — and they’re now looking for a talented Associate (Nature Team) to join their growing ecology and biodiversity division.

🌱 The Role

As an Associate Ecologist, you’ll play a key role in delivering biodiversity and ecology projects that go beyond compliance — ensuring positive, measurable outcomes for nature. You’ll lead complex projects, manage clients and budgets, mentor colleagues, and help shape strategies that support a more sustainable future.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing a portfolio of ecology and biodiversity projects.

• Overseeing project delivery from concept to completion, ensuring quality outcomes.

• Managing client relationships, proposals, and budgets.

• Mentoring junior team members and providing technical guidance.

• Writing detailed ecological reports, assessments, and management plans.

• Supporting business development and contributing to strategic growth.

🌿 What We’re Looking For

You’re an experienced ecologist or biodiversity professional who’s passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural world. You bring both technical expertise and strong leadership to your work, and you thrive in collaborative, purpose-driven environments.

Essential qualifications and experience:

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

• Full membership of CIEEM (or equivalent).

• Demonstrated experience managing ecology and biodiversity projects.

• Excellent report writing, organisation, and client liaison skills.

• Strong understanding of protected species legislation and best practice.

Technical expertise across some or all of the following areas:

• Habitat and botanical identification.

• Protected species surveys (bats, GCN, reptiles, birds, etc.).

• Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and HRA.

• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) baselining and metric application.

• Habitat management planning (BGPs, LEMPs, HMMPs).

• BNG offsetting, habitat banking, and ecological enhancement strategies.

Desirable:

• Protected species licences (bats, GCN, etc.).

• Familiarity with GIS tools or BREEAM assessments.

🌍 Why You’ll Love It Here

Our client offers an inclusive and forward-thinking culture where every voice matters. You’ll work alongside industry experts who share your passion for biodiversity and sustainability — in a place that genuinely values balance, creativity, and purpose.

You’ll enjoy:

• Competitive salary package + discretionary bonus.

• 23 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays).

• Enhanced pension contributions.

• Hybrid working with flexibility to work from abroad for part of the year.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Cycle-to-work scheme and enhanced family policies.

• Two annual volunteer days to support community or conservation projects.

• Access to wellbeing benefits, including 24/7 GP and gym membership.

• Regular team socials and opportunities to shape best practice across the industry.