Senior Ecologist

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ecologist to join a growing consultancy, working remotely with site work primarily across the Leicestershire and surrounding areas. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to balance high-quality technical work with a 4-day working week and a flexible, supportive working environment.

The Role

The purpose of this role is to undertake a wide range of ecological site work (including species surveys, habitat assessments and monitoring), oversee and produce high-quality technical reports, and manage ecology projects independently. You will liaise directly with clients and stakeholders, delivering a professional, reliable and customer-focused service.

As a key member of the team, you will contribute to the successful delivery of ecology projects, ensuring work is completed efficiently, to a high standard, and in line with relevant legislation, guidance and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake a wide range of ecological surveys, assessments and reporting activities in compliance with current legislation, technical standards and guidance

• Deliver effective and innovative ecological solutions to meet project and client requirements

• Conduct ecological surveys and assessments in accordance with best practice

• Complete Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric calculations and Biodiversity Gain Plans

• Produce high-quality reports including:

  • Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)

  • Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRAs)

  • Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs)

  • Protected species reports and mitigation strategies

  • Habitat and landscape management plans

• Manage projects independently, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met

• Provide ecological advice to clients and liaise with local authorities, statutory bodies and other stakeholders

• Support the preparation of proposals and tenders for new work

• Maintain strong client relationships and respond effectively to client and third-party queries

• Keep up to date with ecological best practice, legislation and industry developments

• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation and internal policies

• Identify training needs and maintain a high standard of ecological competence

About You

You will be an experienced ecologist with strong technical, organisational and communication skills, comfortable working independently while contributing positively to a small, collaborative team.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in ecological consultancy or a closely related field

• Experience undertaking Phase 1 Habitat and/or UK Habitat Classification surveys

• Proven experience of protected species surveys, mitigation and licensing (e.g. bats, badgers, birds, GCN, otter, water vole)

• Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife and environmental legislation

• Excellent report writing skills, with experience drafting and reviewing a range of ecological reports

• Experience liaising with regulatory authorities and stakeholders

• Relevant degree and/or postgraduate qualification in ecology or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle

• Willingness to travel and undertake fieldwork

• Strong IT skills (O365 essential; QGIS and Coreo desirable)

• Self-motivated, organised and able to work independently

• Full CIEEM Membership (or eligibility to apply)

Desirable:

• Holding at least one European Protected Species licence

What’s On Offer

• 4-day working week

• Remote working, with site work across the Leicestershire area

• A varied and engaging workload

• Opportunity to work on a wide range of projects

• Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development

If you are passionate about ecology, value flexible working, and are looking to make a meaningful contribution within a small, professional consultancy, we would love to hear from you.