Senior Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with a respected, multidisciplinary environmental consultancy to recruit a Senior Ecologist to join and help grow their Sheffield-based ecology team. Appointments at Consultant, Senior, or Principal level will be considered, depending on experience.

The Role

Location: Sheffield (hybrid working available)

This is a key opportunity for an experienced and motivated ecologist to take a leading role in establishing and developing a regional ecology presence, supported by a well-resourced and experienced wider ecology team.

The role would suit an ambitious ecologist looking for clear career progression, increased responsibility, and the chance to shape a growing team. You will work closely with colleagues across landscape, planning, and masterplanning disciplines, contributing to high-quality outcomes for both development and nature.

Projects span a wide range of sectors and scales, offering involvement from early strategic planning through to implementation and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate ecological work on a variety of projects

• Manage and deliver high-quality technical outputs

• Mentor, support, and help develop junior ecologists

• Act as a key client-facing representative on projects

• Lead and/or oversee protected species surveys

• Prepare and review PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments, and mitigation strategies

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support planning and development outcomes

About You

You will be a friendly, proactive, and highly organised ecologist with a genuine passion for the natural environment and professional best practice.

Essential experience includes:

• A relevant degree in ecology, biology, or a related field

• Protected species survey experience and relevant personal licences

• Habitat survey experience (including UKHab) with strong botanical skills

• Sound knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Competency in MS Office and QGIS

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively within a team

• Willingness to undertake night-time surveys during the survey season

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use

• Membership of CIEEM (Associate level or above)

Desirable:

• A strong technical specialism (e.g. bats, ornithology, botany)

• Level 2 bat licence

• FISC Level 3 or above

What’s on Offer

Our client is committed to providing a supportive, flexible, and rewarding working environment, with a strong focus on wellbeing and professional development. The benefits package includes:

• Competitive salary (Senior level typically £35,000–£43,000)

• Permanent, full-time position

• Hybrid working (up to 2 days per week from home)

• Flexible working around core hours

• Performance-related and profit-share bonus scheme

• Paid overtime for out-of-hours survey work

• 25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service

• Enhanced pension contributions

• Mobile phone and fieldwork clothing allowance

• Funded training and continued professional development

• Paid professional memberships and licence fees

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support

• Regular team social events and annual staff trips

Our client actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. They are proud of their collaborative culture and commitment to delivering positive outcomes for people and nature.