Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is excited to partner with our client, a dynamic and innovative Small Medium Enterprise (SME) with a stellar reputation for providing pragmatic, integrated, and cutting-edge ecological solutions. They are seeking talented Ecologists to join their exceptional team and help deliver impactful projects that enhance environmental sustainability.

With years of experience in ecological and environmental consultancy across the UK, our client’s ecology and nature conservation service covers all terrestrial habitats and species, as well as most aquatic habitats and species. Whether it’s early-stage surveys, ecological assessments, planning submissions, or presenting evidence at public inquiries, you’ll play a key role in delivering ecological mitigation and enhancements that align with project budgets and timelines.

Position: Ecologist

Location: Various locations (options for remote and on-site work)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, based on experience

About the Role:

As an Ecologist with our client, you will be involved in a wide range of projects, including protected species licensing, habitat mitigation, and nature conservation strategies. Your work will span various sectors including education, residential, retail, infrastructure, conservation, and more. You’ll help identify potential ecological constraints and opportunities, conduct surveys, assess impacts, and ensure the successful delivery of mitigation designs, including compliance with industry guidelines like BS42020 and BREEAM.

You’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with landscape architects, urban designers, and environmental planners to create integrated, sustainable solutions. Our client’s ecologists are known for their expertise in species licensing and mitigation for protected species like bats, dormice, great crested newts, and water voles, and have access to a broad network of national experts in specialist fields such as fisheries, invertebrates, and birds.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct ecological surveys across a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats and species.
• Lead ecological assessments, planning submissions, and the discharge of conditions.
• Prepare and present evidence at public inquiries and engage in public consultations.
• Develop and deliver integrated ecological mitigation and enhancement measures, working within project budgets and timelines.
• Contribute to the resolution of ecological issues, including protected species licensing, designated sites, and air quality/light pollution effects.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of specialists in landscape architecture, arboriculture, and environmental planning.
• Design bespoke ecological proposals and contribute to project delivery, ensuring client commitments are met.
• Assist in the production of engaging materials for public consultation, utilizing in-house graphic skills, from hand-sketching to photorealistic 3D rendering.

What We’re Looking For:

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field (advanced degrees such as MSc or PhD are a plus).
• Licences for bat, dormice, and great crested newt surveys in England and Wales (preferred).
• Named Ecologist or accredited agent/assistant for mitigation and conservation licences (ideal).
• Experience in conducting ecological surveys, impact assessments, and designing mitigation measures.
• Knowledge of ecological guidelines, such as BS42020 and BREEAM, and the ability to apply this knowledge to project work.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to engage with clients, project teams, and stakeholders.
• A genuine passion for ecology, conservation, and environmental protection.

Why Join Our Client?

• Work with a tight-knit, multidisciplinary team in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Tackle exciting, technically complex projects across diverse sectors.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Competitive salary and benefits, with flexible working arrangements.
• Play a key role in environmental conservation and ecological mitigation on a variety of high-profile projects.
• Access to a network of national and international specialists in fields like fisheries, birds, and invertebrates.

If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your ecological expertise to deliver high-impact environmental solutions, our client offers the perfect platform to grow and make a real difference. Join us and become part of a team that is shaping the future of ecology and conservation in the UK!