Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an established environmental consultancy looking to appoint an Ecologist to join its growing team in the South West.

This is a strong opportunity for an Ecologist with around two years’ consultancy or relevant field experience who would like to broaden their technical skills, gain further protected species experience and progress towards greater project responsibility.

The role offers a varied mix of fieldwork and technical reporting across a diverse project portfolio, with support from experienced ecologists and opportunities to develop towards Senior Ecologist level.

The role

You will contribute to ecological projects from initial survey through to assessment, reporting and mitigation. Your work is likely to include:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and habitat surveys

• Protected species surveys, with a particular focus on bats

• UKHab surveys and habitat condition assessments

• Bat activity, emergence/re-entry and other specialist survey work

• Supporting protected species licence applications and mitigation

• Ecological reporting and technical documentation

• Biodiversity Net Gain assessments

• Maintaining accurate field data, mapping and project records

• Supporting EcIA and other ecological assessment work as your experience develops

There will also be opportunities to broaden your experience across other species groups and gradually take on greater responsibility for projects and client communication.

About you

You are likely to have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, zoology, conservation or a related subject

• Around two years’ relevant ecological consultancy or field experience

• Good practical experience of protected species surveys

• Bat survey experience, ideally with an interest in developing more specialist bat skills

• Experience of UKHab, Phase 1 or similar habitat survey methodologies

• Good ecological report writing skills

• Strong attention to detail

• CIEEM membership or eligibility for membership

• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to undertake fieldwork, including evening and night surveys

Experience using GIS and exposure to additional taxa such as dormice, birds, reptiles or amphibians would be useful but are not essential.

Why consider this opportunity?

This role could particularly suit an Ecologist who has built a solid foundation in consultancy and now wants greater technical development rather than remaining focused primarily on routine survey work.

You will have access to ongoing professional development and training, varied ecological projects and support towards developing protected species licensing and broader consultancy skills.

The position offers a competitive salary of £32,000 to £37,000 depending on experience, hybrid working, performance-related rewards and a supportive environment where you can continue developing towards Senior Ecologist level.

To find out more, please send your CV to vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk.

All conversations are confidential, and I am happy to discuss the opportunity with you before your CV is shared.