Senior Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is delighted to be working in partnership with a respected, award-winning, multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy. Our client is a CIEEM Registered Practice with a reputation for delivering high-quality, creative, and sustainable ecological solutions across a broad range of complex and exciting projects. They are currently expanding due to a strong and growing project pipeline that includes both conservation- and development-led work.

We’re seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their friendly and well-established ecology team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys delivering meaningful ecological outcomes while mentoring others and leading project delivery. The role is offered on a permanent basis, with a mix of office, site, and home-based working (typically three days office/site, two days remote).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a wide range of ecology projects and multidisciplinary project components.

• Coordinate field surveys and associated deliverables.

• Undertake a variety of fieldwork including UK Habitat Classification surveys, Condition Assessments, protected species surveys, and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) roles as required.

• Carry out Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments using the statutory metric, and produce Biodiversity Gain Plans and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs).

• Write high-quality technical documents such as PEAs, EcIAs, HRA screening reports, and ES ecology chapters.

• Develop effective mitigation strategies and provide expert advice to clients on BNG opportunities.

• Serve as the main point of contact for clients and build strong working relationships.

• Contribute to fee proposals and tenders.

• Mentor and support junior team members.

What We're Looking For:

• A degree in a relevant subject and membership of CIEEM.

• Minimum 4–5 years’ experience in ecological consultancy, ideally in a senior or lead role.

• Demonstrated experience in managing projects to time and budget, resolving ecological issues, and producing robust reports to CIEEM standards.

• Proven experience preparing or assisting with EPS licence applications (advantageous).

• Strong botanical identification and habitat survey skills (FISC Level 4 desirable).

• Proficient in BNG assessments using the Statutory Metric (version 4.0).

• Holder of a Level 2 Bat Survey Licence (Natural England) – Essential.

• A solid understanding of UK planning policy, protected species legislation, and relevant survey methodologies.

• Excellent attention to detail and high standards of written and verbal communication.

• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use.

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary: £37,000–£43,000 depending on experience.

• Annual discretionary bonus.

• Hybrid and flexible working (3 days office/site, 2 from home).

• Paid Recovery Time during the busy survey season.

• 28 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus bank holidays.

• 5 days external CPD allowance, plus internal training and shadowing.

• Contributory pension scheme (after 3 months).

• Private health care (Bupa) and Employee Health Cash Plan (post-probation).

• Sick pay scheme (post-probation).

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Payment of CIEEM membership, licence renewals, and work-related vaccinations.

• Access to pool/hire vehicles and mileage reimbursement.

• Company-provided laptop, iPhone, and full PPE.

If you're looking to join a collaborative, forward-thinking consultancy where your voice matters and your career can grow, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Ocean to Earth Recruitment for a confidential discussion about the role.