Ecologist/Senior Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is excited to be working on behalf of our client, a well-established ecological consultancy, to find an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their expanding team. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to play a key role in delivering professional, reliable, and high-quality ecological services.

The successful candidate will work alongside the Director/Principal Ecologist, providing technical support to the team, leading ecological surveys, preparing reports, managing projects, and mentoring junior staff. This role will also involve liaising with clients, project managers, statutory bodies, and other key stakeholders, making strong communication skills essential. Ideally, candidates will be based within a reasonable commuting distance of the Taunton office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading and conducting ecological surveys for a variety of species, including bats, birds, badgers, great crested newts, reptiles, dormice, water voles, otters, and more.

• Undertaking and leading habitat surveys, with the ability to differentiate broad and priority habitat types in the field.

• Producing scientific reports based on survey findings.

• Developing method statements, mitigation plans, and European Protected Species Mitigation Licences.

• Ensuring accurate field notes are maintained in accordance with scientific data collection principles.

• Overseeing and managing ecological mitigation projects, including staff allocation and supervision.

• Providing technical support and mentorship to junior team members and seasonal ecologists.

• Accurately recording data and tasks within project management software, with an understanding of the commercial aspects of consultancy work.

• Conducting evening and dawn bat surveys, which are compensated through overtime, TOIL, or as part of contracted hours.

Essential Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and the ability to communicate this effectively to colleagues, clients, and contractors.

• Degree in a relevant discipline.

• Self-motivated and driven, with clear personal achievement goals.

• Minimum of five years' experience in an ecological consultancy role.

• Hold a Level 2 or above bat survey licence.

• Full membership with CIEEM or an equivalent professional body (e.g., Royal Society of Biology).

• Full UK driving licence.

• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.

• Competency in GIS/QGIS and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

• Commitment to health and safety best practices in all work activities.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience using software such as ARC GIS.

• Additional survey licences for species such as barn owl, dormouse, or great crested newt.

• Registered consultant under the Bat Mitigation Class Licence system.

• Experience in compiling European Protected Species Mitigation Licences (bats, badgers, etc.).

• Proficiency in bat sound analysis software (e.g., Kaleidoscope Pro).

What’s on Offer:

• Salary range of £28,000 – £34,000 per annum.

• Option for home-based working if preferred.

• Overtime paid for out-of-hours bat surveys.

• Extremely flexible working arrangements with flexi-time options.

• 25 days holiday plus statutory holidays (pro-rata).

• Bespoke training budget for career development.

• Company pension scheme.

• Private healthcare benefits.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to develop their career in a supportive and flexible environment. If you are passionate about ecology and want to take the next step in your career, apply today through Ocean to Earth Recruitment!