Senior Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working closely with a respected and growing ecological consultancy based in Cheshire to find a Senior Ecological Consultant. This role is perfect for an experienced field ecologist ready to take on leadership and mentoring responsibilities, while remaining hands-on with protected species surveys, habitat assessments, and large-scale project delivery across the UK.

This is a field-based position with a strong focus on survey work, licensing, and ecological project management. You’ll split your time between on-site fieldwork and occasional office-based duties in Knutsford.

About the Role
You’ll be joining a close-knit, high-performing team with a strong reputation for delivering reliable, pragmatic, and high-quality ecological services. The consultancy works nationally on infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects, with an emphasis on ecological impact assessment, mitigation, and habitat creation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ecological delivery on large and complex infrastructure or development projects

• Undertake field surveys including Phase 1 habitat, UKHab, NVC, and protected species work (particularly bats)

• Design and implement mitigation schemes and prepare European Protected Species Licences (EPSLs)

• Oversee client relationships and manage commercial frameworks across the UK

• Contribute to technical reports including EcIAs, HRAs, and ecological chapters for EIAs

• Provide technical oversight, mentoring, and leadership to a team of ecologists

• Support proposal writing and tender submissions for new and existing clients

• Conduct technical reviews of subcontractor scopes and outputs

• Participate in regular team meetings and ensure effective communication across the business

• Maintain and manage ecological equipment, vehicles, and survey data

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' relevant consultancy experience

• Proficient in habitat classification methods including PEA, UKHab, and ideally NVC

• Level 2 Bat Licence (minimum), with experience as named ecologist on EPSL projects

• Proven knowledge of UK/EU wildlife legislation, protected species, and invasive species

• Experience managing ecological inputs to planning, BNG, and mitigation design

• Competency in GIS and bat sound analysis software (e.g., Bat Explorer)

• Comfortable with frequent travel and overnight stays across the UK during peak season

• Clean driving licence and access to a personal vehicle (pool vehicles available for survey use)

• Full or Associate CIEEM membership

• FISC Level 4 (desirable)

• Familiar with BREEAM Land Use & Ecology assessments

• Strong client liaison and stakeholder engagement skills

Benefits

• £42,500–£47,500 salary depending on experience

• 25 days holiday + your birthday off

• Company phone and laptop

• Cycle to work scheme

• Funded professional membership

• Flexible working and TOIL policy

• Discretionary bonus

• Auto-enrolment pension (after 3 months)

• Individual training budget and clear progression path

• Supportive, friendly, and development-focused team

How to Apply
If you're a technically strong ecologist with a passion for practical, field-based work and team leadership, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV to vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk