Senior / Principal Ecologist

The Opportunity

If you're an experienced ecologist who's looking for more than simply moving consultancy, this could be the kind of opportunity worth exploring.

Perhaps you're looking for greater influence over projects, the chance to work more closely with other environmental disciplines, or somewhere that genuinely values ecological thinking from the earliest stages of development. Maybe you'd like to spend less time ticking boxes and more time helping clients deliver meaningful, long-term biodiversity gains.

This is an opportunity to join a well-established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy where ecology plays a central role in shaping projects rather than simply supporting them. With a strong pipeline of work across the South East and Home Counties, you'll enjoy variety, technical challenge and the chance to contribute to projects that make a lasting difference for both clients and nature.

Whether you're an established Senior Ecologist or already operating at Principal level, you'll join a collaborative team that encourages autonomy, continuous development and genuine progression.

The Company

Our client is a respected independent multidisciplinary environmental consultancy bringing together ecologists, landscape architects, arboriculturists, heritage specialists, urban designers and masterplanners to deliver integrated environmental solutions across the UK.

Its ecology team has earned an excellent reputation for providing pragmatic, high-quality advice while encouraging clients to think beyond minimum planning requirements. Biodiversity Net Gain, habitat creation and landscape-scale ecological enhancement are embedded throughout the business, giving ecologists the opportunity to influence projects from concept through to delivery.

People are trusted to do their best work in a supportive, collaborative environment where knowledge is shared openly, professional development is actively encouraged and internal progression is genuinely prioritised.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll take ownership of ecological projects from initial appraisal through to planning, implementation and monitoring, working alongside colleagues from multiple disciplines to develop balanced, practical solutions.

Your work is likely to include:

• Managing ecological input across a diverse portfolio of development and infrastructure projects.

• Preparing and reviewing PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and associated reports.

• Leading protected species surveys, mitigation strategies and licensing work where appropriate.

• Advising clients, planning authorities and design teams throughout the planning process.

• Supporting habitat bank schemes and wider biodiversity enhancement projects.

• Mentoring junior ecologists and helping to maintain high technical standards across the team.

Projects range from residential and mixed-use developments to renewable energy schemes, habitat banks, mineral sites and landscape-scale ecological restoration, offering excellent variety and long-term technical development.

About You

You'll already have a solid consultancy background and enjoy finding practical, proportionate solutions that deliver positive outcomes for both development and biodiversity.

You may already be working as a Senior or Principal Ecologist, or be ready to take that next step.

You'll likely bring:

• Strong experience delivering ecological surveys, assessments and reporting.

• Good botanical knowledge and habitat survey skills, including UKHab.

• A sound understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.

• Experience managing projects and building trusted client relationships.

• Membership of CIEEM (or be working towards the appropriate grade).

• Confidence using QGIS and producing high-quality technical reports.

Additional protected species licences, specialist technical expertise or Biodiversity Net Gain experience would be welcomed, but aren't essential if you have strong ecological foundations and the right approach.

What's on Offer

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll benefit from an environment that invests in its people and supports long-term careers.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.

• Hybrid working with flexibility around core hours.

• Annual profit-related and performance bonuses.

• Paid overtime for evening and out-of-hours survey work.

• Enhanced pension contributions linked to length of service.

• Generous annual leave increasing with service.

• A strong CPD programme with external training support.

• Paid professional memberships and licence fees.

• Clear career progression with opportunities to develop into leadership roles.

• Employee wellbeing support, volunteering opportunities and regular team events.

• A collaborative culture where ecological expertise is genuinely valued across the wider business.

Location & Flexibility

Based in Ashwell, Hertfordshire, this role offers hybrid working, with up to two days per week working from home alongside office, site and client visits. Flexible working arrangements are supported, helping you balance project delivery with life outside work.

Interested?

If you're ready to take the next step in your ecology career, we'd love to hear from you.

Whether you're actively exploring new opportunities or simply curious about what's available, we'd be happy to arrange a confidential conversation to tell you more about the role, the team and what makes this opportunity different.

To apply, please send your CV to Ocean to Earth Recruitment. If you'd prefer an informal discussion before applying, get in touch for a confidential chat—we're always happy to answer your questions with no obligation.

About Ocean to Earth Recruitment

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is proud to be partnering with our client on this appointment. We specialise exclusively in environmental, ecology and sustainability recruitment, connecting talented professionals with organisations that are creating positive outcomes for people, places and nature.

Everything we do is guided by our core values:

Respect – Building genuine relationships through openness, professionalism and treating every individual with care.

Integrity – Providing honest advice, transparent communication and ethical recruitment you can trust.

Growth – Supporting long-term careers and helping both people and businesses reach their full potential.

If this opportunity sounds like it could be the right fit—or you'd simply like to explore it further—we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Ocean to Earth Recruitment for a confidential conversation about your next career move.