Senior Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an established environmental consultancy looking to appoint a Consultant or Senior Ecologist to its Bristol or Cardiff team.

This is an opportunity to work across an interesting mix of renewable energy, infrastructure, development and nature restoration projects, particularly throughout Wales and South West England.

Our client is keen to hear from both experienced Consultant Ecologists looking to progress and established Senior Ecologists seeking new challenges, greater project variety and opportunities for professional development.

The Role

You will be involved in delivering ecological consultancy services across a diverse portfolio of projects, combining technical ecological work with project coordination and client engagement.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning, coordinating and undertaking habitat and protected species surveys.

• Preparing and reviewing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) and protected species reports.

• Analysing ecological survey data and providing clear, practical recommendations.

• Managing ecological projects, including budgets, timescales and deliverables.

• Supporting renewable energy and infrastructure projects through ecological assessment and planning processes.

• Liaising with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Supporting and mentoring junior ecologists where appropriate.

• Contributing to fee proposals, tender submissions and business development activities.

The level of responsibility will reflect your existing experience, with opportunities to develop your project management and leadership skills.

About You

We are looking for an Ecologist who enjoys technical consultancy work, values high-quality ecological advice and is motivated to continue developing professionally.

Essential experience and qualifications:

• Previous experience working within a UK ecological consultancy.

• Good knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological assessment processes.

• Experience undertaking habitat and protected species surveys.

• Ability to prepare ecological reports, including PEAs, protected species assessments and EcIAs.

• Experience coordinating ecological work and communicating with clients.

• Strong report-writing, organisational and communication skills.

• A full UK driving licence.

• Willingness to travel for fieldwork, including occasional overnight stays and evening or night surveys.

Desirable experience:

• Experience working on renewable energy or infrastructure projects.

• Knowledge of ecological consenting and planning requirements in England and Wales.

• Protected species licences, particularly bats, great crested newts or dormice.

• Experience managing projects or supervising junior colleagues.

• Involvement in preparing fee proposals or developing client relationships.

You do not need to meet every desirable requirement. Our client is interested in individuals with strong ecological foundations and the potential to grow into greater responsibilities.

What's on Offer?

• Salary: £28,000 to £39,500, depending on experience.

• Hybrid working: Bristol or Cardiff office base, normally with a minimum of two office days per week.

• Flexible hours: Standard 37.5-hour working week, with part-time options from 30 hours considered.

• Varied projects: Opportunities to work across renewable energy, infrastructure, development and ecological restoration.

• Career development: Scope to strengthen your technical, project management and leadership experience.

• Collaborative working: Access to experienced environmental specialists across different disciplines.

• Travel expenses: Business-related travel and overnight accommodation expenses covered.

Why Apply?

If you enjoy the technical side of ecology but are also looking to build your confidence in project delivery, client management or mentoring others, this role offers an opportunity to develop those skills.

Equally, if you are already operating at Senior Ecologist level and would welcome a broader range of projects, particularly within the renewable energy sector, we would be pleased to discuss how this opportunity could fit your career ambitions.

Apply Through Ocean to Earth Recruitment

At Ocean to Earth Recruitment, we specialise in recruitment across ecology, environmental consultancy, sustainability and the wider environmental sector.

We take the time to understand your experience, career aspirations and what matters most to you in your next role, helping you explore opportunities that offer the right long-term fit.

If you are interested in finding out more about this Consultant / Senior Ecologist opportunity in Bristol or Cardiff, please get in touch for a confidential conversation.