Ecologist

The Opportunity

Perhaps you're enjoying your current role but finding yourself ready for more interesting projects, greater responsibility or a team where ecology genuinely influences the way development is designed.

This is an opportunity to join a well-established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality ecological advice across the UK. You'll become part of a collaborative team where your ideas are valued, your development is actively supported, and you'll work on projects that go beyond simply meeting planning requirements to delivering meaningful outcomes for nature.

Whether you're looking to broaden your survey experience, develop specialist skills or progress your career within a supportive business, this role offers the opportunity to do just that.

The Company

This independent environmental consultancy brings together ecologists, landscape architects, masterplanners, arboriculturists and heritage specialists to deliver integrated solutions across a diverse range of development and infrastructure projects.

People are encouraged to share knowledge, collaborate across disciplines and continually develop their technical expertise. The business has built an excellent reputation not only for the quality of its work, but also for creating an inclusive, supportive culture where people are trusted, recognised and given genuine opportunities to progress.

Ecology sits at the heart of project delivery, helping clients create places that achieve long-term benefits for biodiversity rather than simply meeting minimum planning requirements.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll work as part of an experienced ecology team delivering projects from initial site assessment through to planning and licensing, taking increasing ownership as your experience develops.

Your work will include:

• Undertaking UKHab baseline habitat surveys and Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.

• Carrying out protected species surveys and assisting with mitigation and licensing work.

• Preparing clear, well-written ecological reports and technical documentation.

• Liaising with clients, planning authorities and other environmental professionals.

• Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and developing your experience with the Statutory BNG Metric.

• Producing habitat plans and survey mapping using QGIS, with full support to develop your skills if required.

• Helping to mentor junior colleagues while continuing to build your own technical expertise.

• Contributing to survey planning and delivering seasonal survey work, including occasional evening and dawn surveys during peak periods.

About You

You'll already have a solid grounding in ecological consultancy and be looking for an environment where you can continue to develop both technically and professionally.

You'll ideally have experience of habitat and protected species surveys, a good understanding of UK wildlife legislation and confidence communicating with both colleagues and clients.

Membership of CIEEM, or working towards it, would be welcomed, along with an enthusiasm for developing specialist survey licences and technical expertise in areas such as botany, ornithology or protected species.

Experience of Biodiversity Net Gain or QGIS would be beneficial, although support and training are available for the right person.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys collaborative working, takes pride in producing high-quality ecological work and wants to make a genuine contribution to positive environmental outcomes.

What's on Offer

Alongside a competitive salary of £30,000-£36,000, depending on experience, you'll benefit from a package designed to support both your career and your work-life balance.

This includes:

• Hybrid working with up to two days per week from home.

• Flexible working around core hours.

• Annual profit-related and performance bonus.

• Paid overtime for evening and out-of-hours survey work.

• Increasing pension contributions linked to length of service.

• Mobile phone and field clothing allowance.

• 25 days annual leave plus Christmas shutdown, increasing with service.

• Generous CPD budget and external training opportunities.

• Paid CIEEM membership and licence fees.

• Genuine opportunities for career progression, with a strong focus on promoting from within.

• Employee Assistance Programme, volunteering opportunities and regular team events.

Location & Flexibility

Based in Ashwell, Hertfordshire, with hybrid working available for up to two days each week.

This is a full-time, permanent position. Some seasonal survey work outside normal office hours will be required, including occasional overnight stays, with overtime paid accordingly.

Interested?

If you're looking for a consultancy where ecology is genuinely valued, where you'll be trusted to grow, and where you'll work alongside passionate people delivering meaningful environmental projects, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV to vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk

If you'd prefer an informal and completely confidential conversation before deciding whether to apply, feel free to get in touch. We're always happy to talk through the opportunity, answer your questions and help you decide whether it could be the right next step in your career.