Senior/Principal Ecologist
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an established, independent ecology and landscape consultancy looking to appoint a Senior / Principal Ecologist to its growing, close-knit team.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a genuinely multidisciplinary practice where ecologists work closely with landscape architects, landscape planners and arboricultural consultants, giving you the opportunity to influence projects collaboratively from an early stage.
The Consultancy
The practice delivers integrated landscape, ecology and arboricultural services across a varied portfolio of projects, including residential developments, education schemes, green infrastructure and public realm projects.
Ecology sits alongside landscape architecture, landscape planning and arboriculture, creating a collaborative environment where ecological advice can directly inform landscape strategies, habitat creation, biodiversity enhancements and the wider design of a project.
For an experienced ecologist, this offers the opportunity to see your recommendations carried through into practical landscape solutions and work closely with other environmental professionals rather than operating within a standalone ecology team.
The Role
As a Senior / Principal Ecologist, you will take a leading role in the delivery of ecological projects, combining technical ecology, project management and client engagement.
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading ecological surveys, assessments and technical reporting
- Delivering and reviewing PEAs and EcIAs
- BNG assessments, calculations and UKHab surveys
- Preparing mitigation strategies and protected species licence applications
- Managing projects and providing ecological advice directly to clients
- Working collaboratively with landscape architects and other environmental specialists
- Supporting and mentoring junior ecologists
- At Principal level, providing technical review, project leadership and supporting the continued growth of the ecology team
About You
You will have strong UK ecological consultancy experience and ideally bring:
- Full or eligible membership of CIEEM, with MCIEEM welcomed at Principal level
- At least one protected species licence, ideally bat and/or hazel dormouse
- Strong botanical skills
- Experience of PEA, EcIA, BNG and UKHab
- EPS licensing experience would be advantageous
- Strong report writing, project management and client communication skills
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Why Join?
This is a chance to join a small, supportive and collaborative consultancy where your contribution will be visible and you can work closely with colleagues across ecology, landscape architecture, planning and arboriculture.
There are genuine opportunities for progression as the ecology team grows, alongside professional training and CPD.
Benefits include hybrid working, 24 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, enhanced pension, salary sacrifice electric car scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and regular team social events.
If you are a Senior Ecologist ready for greater responsibility or a Principal Ecologist looking for a collaborative, close-knit consultancy, we would be pleased to speak with you confidentially.
Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as sponsorship is not currently available.