Senior Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is pleased to be supporting a well-established and growing environmental consultancy in their search for a Senior Ecologist.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a business with ambitious growth plans, where you will play a central role in delivering high-quality ecological work while helping to shape and develop a talented, expanding team.

The opportunity

Our client works across a wide range of sectors including residential, commercial, education, renewable energy, infrastructure, and local planning—delivering meaningful ecological input into projects that have real environmental impact.

As a Senior Ecologist, you will take ownership of a busy and varied portfolio, leading fieldwork programmes and contributing strategically to project delivery, client relationships, and business growth.

Set against the backdrop of the South Downs, this role offers a rare combination of technical challenge, career progression, and an exceptional working environment.

The role

You will take a leading role in both field and office-based activities, with responsibilities including:

• Managing and delivering ecological surveys and fieldwork programmes

• Producing and reviewing high-quality technical reports

• Acting as a key point of client contact, managing relationships and expectations

• Ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget

• Supporting and mentoring junior team members

• Contributing to business development, including opportunity identification and bid preparation

About you

You will be a confident and capable ecologist, ready to step into a role with greater responsibility and influence.

• Degree in ecology or a related discipline (MSc/PhD desirable)

• Strong experience across a range of ecological surveys, including habitats and protected species

• Proven track record in delivering high-quality technical reports (PEAs, Phase 1, mitigation plans, etc.)

• Natural England survey licence(s) for at least one species/group

• Membership/Chartership with CIEEM (or equivalent)

• Strong communication, organisation, and project management skills

• Full UK driving licence and flexibility for site work

Desirable:

• Experience securing EPSM licences and drafting applications

• Involvement in Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and HRA

• Experience with GIS (ArcGIS)

• Exposure to multidisciplinary environmental projects

• Experience in business development or bid writing

Why consider this role

This is more than a technical role—it’s a chance to lead, mentor, and shape how ecological services are delivered within a growing consultancy.

You’ll have the autonomy to manage your work, the support to develop your career, and the opportunity to make a visible contribution to both projects and the wider business.

What’s on offer

Our client places strong emphasis on professional development, wellbeing, and flexibility:

• Salary from £35,000+, depending on experience

• Starting bonus for direct applications

• Flexible and hybrid working

• 31 days annual leave plus your birthday off

• Established TOIL system

• CIEEM membership and CPD budget

• Contributory pension

• Private medical insurance

• Access to car club/daily rental account

• A supportive, collaborative team environment in a South Downs location

Additional information

• Full-time preferred (flexible arrangements considered)

• Office based approx. 10 minutes outside Brighton, with hybrid working available

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK

If you’re a Senior Ecologist looking for a role where you can step up, lead projects, and be part of a genuinely supportive and ambitious team, we’d be pleased to hear from you.

Apply via Ocean to Earth Recruitment or get in touch for a confidential discussion.