Senior Ecologist

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced consultant looking to take ownership of projects, strengthen their technical and client-facing expertise, and progress toward Principal level within a supportive and forward-thinking consultancy.

About the Company

Our client is a well-established ecological consultancy, part of a wider environmental group, delivering high-quality services to a broad range of public and private sector clients. Their work spans housing, retail, employment, and renewable energy projects across the UK, with a strong focus on integrating biodiversity and ecological value into development.

You will be joining a collaborative and experienced team of terrestrial ecologists, with access to wider multidisciplinary expertise across the group.

The Role

This is a varied position combining fieldwork, technical reporting, and project management. You will lead surveys, deliver high-quality outputs, and manage projects from start to finish.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and leading terrestrial ecology surveys (Phase 1 / UK Habitat Classification and protected species)

• Producing and reviewing technical reports (PEAs, EcIAs, ES chapters, BNG assessments)

• Managing multiple projects to programme, budget, and quality standards

• Liaising with clients and key stakeholders

• Supporting tenders and business development

• Mentoring and reviewing work of junior ecologists

The Challenge

This role requires you to operate confidently across multiple priorities. You will be balancing technical delivery with project management responsibilities, often working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced consultancy environment.

Success in this role comes from consistency—delivering high-quality work across several projects while maintaining strong organisation, clear communication, and professional judgement. You will also begin to take on a more influential role within the team, supporting others while maintaining your own delivery standards.

The Impact You Will Have

Your work will directly shape how development projects interact with the natural environment. From influencing planning decisions to guiding mitigation and biodiversity outcomes, your input will have tangible, on-the-ground impact.

Internally, you will help set technical standards, support the development of junior colleagues, and become a trusted advisor to both clients and your team. Over time, your role will extend beyond delivery into contributing to business growth and shaping ecological services.

This position offers a clear pathway to Principal Ecologist level within approximately 3–5 years.

About You

• Degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in ecological consultancy or a related field

• Strong knowledge of UK habitats, protected species, and legislation

• Experience delivering ecological surveys and technical reports

• Proven project management and client-facing experience

• Excellent organisational, communication, and report writing skills

• CIEEM membership (or eligibility)

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

Desirable:

• Protected species licences

• Experience with NVC, MoRPh, or GIS (e.g. QGIS)

• Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a consultancy that genuinely values its people, offering a flexible and supportive working environment alongside strong professional development pathways. You will be part of a team that prioritises quality, collaboration, and long-term growth, while working on projects that deliver meaningful environmental outcomes.

If you are looking to take the next step in your ecology career and want a role where you can make a tangible impact, we would be pleased to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV and a short covering email outlining your suitability for the role to vicky@oceanotearth.co.uk.