Senior Ecologist

Shape Projects. Grow Your Expertise. Help Deliver Better Outcomes for Nature.

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for a role where you'll have genuine autonomy, the opportunity to influence projects from start to finish, and the freedom to develop your own specialist interests?

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is supporting a growing ecological consultancy in the search for a Senior Ecologist to join their expanding team. This is an opportunity to become part of a business that combines technical excellence with a practical, client-focused approach, delivering high-quality ecological advice across a diverse range of projects throughout the UK.

With a strong reputation for innovation, collaborative working and professional development, this consultancy offers the chance to build a rewarding long-term career while making a meaningful contribution to sustainable development and biodiversity enhancement.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Ecologist, you will take ownership of projects from initial quotation through to delivery and invoicing, managing client relationships and providing expert ecological advice throughout the project lifecycle.

You'll work on a broad range of ecological projects, including:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
• UK Habitat Classification surveys and condition assessments
• Biodiversity Impact Assessments
• Protected and Priority Species surveys
• Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
• Mitigation and licensing strategies
• Tender preparation and project costing

This role would suit an ecologist seeking a well-rounded consultancy position with the opportunity to develop project management skills alongside technical expertise. Equally, specialists are encouraged to apply, with the business actively supporting individuals who wish to develop recognised expertise within a particular ecological discipline.

Location

Candidates should be within commuting distance of Oxfordshire or Gloucestershire offices, or be willing to relocate. Flexible hybrid working is available, with a blend of home and office working encouraged.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

• Strong passion for ecology, biodiversity and the natural environment
• Experience undertaking habitat surveys and protected species surveys
• Survey licence for at least one protected species
• Experience managing ecological projects and leading field teams
• Excellent report writing and technical communication skills
• Experience preparing or securing European Protected Species licences
• Ability to design surveys and prepare project quotations
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable Experience

• Advanced expertise in a specialist ecological field
• Membership of CIEEM or eligibility to join
• Degree in Ecology or a related discipline
• Experience using GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS
• Experience mentoring or managing junior ecologists
• Business development and networking experience
• Successful delivery of protected species licensing projects

Why Join?

This consultancy genuinely invests in its people and recognises that successful ecological careers are built through trust, flexibility and professional growth.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• Professional memberships fully funded
• Unlimited training and development budget
• Apple laptop and iPhone
• Generous pension contribution
• Colleague recognition and bonus scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Unlimited annual leave
• Clear opportunities for career progression within a growing business

The team works hard to maintain a positive work-life balance, with sensible limits on overnight stays and unsociable working hours, ensuring ecologists can deliver excellent work while maintaining personal wellbeing.

If you're looking for a Senior Ecologist role where you can take ownership of projects, develop your expertise and contribute to a consultancy that values innovation, flexibility and ecological excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Ocean to Earth Recruitment for a confidential discussion or send us your CV today lauren@oceantoearth.co.uk