Senior/Principal Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is proud to partner with a leading, award-winning multidisciplinary consultancy to help grow their exceptional ecology team. With a strong reputation in planning, design, and environmental consultancy, this is an exciting opportunity to join a company with a diverse project portfolio across residential, historic estates, renewables, infrastructure, and commercial developments.

About the Role

We’re looking for passionate Senior and Principal Ecologists to join a growing ecology team supporting high-impact projects across the UK. Based in London with flexible hybrid working, you’ll have the chance to shape biodiversity outcomes on some of the country’s most exciting schemes—from large-scale renewable energy developments to historic conservation sites.

You’ll be working closely with regional Ecology Leads, mentoring junior staff, and helping to deliver high-quality technical work including habitat and species surveys, EcIAs, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

Whether you come from a consultancy or non-consultancy background, if you have a solid ecological foundation and a collaborative mindset, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and deliver habitat and species surveys, including PEAs and EcIAs

• Produce Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and UKHab reports

• Provide technical input across planning and design teams

• Mentor and support junior ecologists

• Support project management including scope writing, proposals, and stakeholder liaison

• Assist with ecological strategy and input across a broad project base

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 4 years’ relevant UK experience

• A team player with strong communication and leadership skills

• Excellent understanding of UK wildlife legislation and the Environment Act 2021

• Sound experience of UK Habitat Classification surveys and the statutory BNG metric

• Experience writing high-quality reports and managing ecological data

• Proactive, organised, and keen to stay ahead in ecological developments

• Full UK driving licence (preferred)

• Membership of CIEEM (preferred)

Desirable (but not essential)

• Protected Species Licences (e.g. Bat, GCN)

• GIS experience (e.g. QGIS)

• Bat call analysis experience (e.g. Kaleidoscope)

• Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) knowledge

Why Apply Through Ocean to Earth?

By applying through Ocean to Earth Recruitment, you’ll get more than just job matching—we offer tailored career advice, application support, and insights into your potential future team and employer. We work closely with the consultancy to ensure a smooth hiring experience and a perfect fit.

Benefits Include:

• Up to 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with additional loyalty leave

• Hybrid and flexible working options

• Vitality Private Health Insurance + BUPA Cash Plan

• Company Pension & Death in Service cover

• Growth bonus scheme

• Funded CPD, training, and professional memberships

• Cycle to Work Scheme, Gym Discounts & Lifestyle Perks (Amazon Prime, Odeon, etc.)

• Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and financial wellbeing

📩 Ready to take the next step in your ecology career?
Apply now by sending your CV to vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk to discuss how this role aligns with your career goals.

Join a workplace where your passion for biodiversity and ecological impact is truly valued. Let's make a difference—from ocean to earth. 🌍