Senior Ecologist

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to step into a senior role with real progression built in?

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is partnering with a respected and expanding environmental consultancy to find a Senior Ecologist who wants more than just their next role — this is an opportunity to grow into a Principal Ecologist position within a supportive, forward-thinking organisation.

Why This Role?

✔ Clear and structured career pathway to Principal level
✔ High-quality projects across infrastructure, development, and environmental sectors
✔ Strong technical culture with mentoring and leadership opportunities
✔ Flexible working and excellent benefits

You’ll join a collaborative ecological team delivering practical, compliant solutions across Ireland and the UK, working on projects that genuinely make an impact.

🔍 The Role

This position is open to Senior Ecologists at different career stages. Your responsibilities and level of autonomy will reflect your experience, with clear expectations and progression criteria.

Senior Ecologist – Early Stage (5–6 years)

• Lead ecological surveys across habitats and species

• Prepare and QA ecological reports (PEAs, CEMPs, AA, NIS, BNG)

• Support junior staff through mentoring and training

• Build client relationships and support tender submissions

• Develop specialist survey skills and licences

Senior Ecologist – Mid Stage (6–7 years)

• Lead EIAs and major infrastructure projects

• QA complex ecological assessments and mitigation plans

• Manage teams across multiple survey programmes

• Represent ecology in multidisciplinary meetings

• Deliver CPD and contribute to business development

Senior Ecologist – Advanced Stage (7–8 years | Principal Track)

• Lead ecological input on major projects and regulatory submissions

• Act as a technical specialist across a range of project types

• QA complex reports (EcIA, SEA, NIS)

• Mentor staff across all grades and support recruitment

• Undertake licensed works and liaise with regulators

🧠 What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Ecology or a related discipline

• Strong consultancy experience (4+ years post-graduate)

• Experience with protected habitats and priority species

• Solid knowledge of UK, Irish, and EU wildlife legislation

• Confident report writing and technical review skills

• Experience mentoring or managing staff

• Protected species licensing experience (desirable)

• Full driving licence and willingness to travel

CIEEM membership is desirable but not essential.

💼 Salary & Benefits

• £38,000–£46,000 DOE

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 29 days with service (+ public holidays)

• Flexible and hybrid working options

• Private health insurance

• Company pension

• Performance and biannual bonus schemes

• Paid professional memberships

• Funded CPD, training, and licence progression

• Cycle to work scheme

• Discounted gym membership

• Company vehicles, travel support, and free parking

• Family-friendly and extended leave options

• Regular team events and social days

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Applicants are encouraged to indicate which Senior Ecologist level (Early, Mid, or Advanced) best aligns with their experience when applying.

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is managing this process on behalf of our client. All applications are handled confidentially.