Senior/Principal Ecologist

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a long-established, highly respected ecological consultancy client to appoint Senior and Principal Ecologists as part of their continued growth.

Our client is recognised within the sector for delivering technically robust, pragmatic ecological advice and has built a reputation for quality, integrity, and professionalism over many years. Staff satisfaction is exceptionally high, turnover is very low, and the team culture is collaborative, supportive, and friendly.

Due to sustained demand — and the fact they are currently turning away exciting and high-profile project work because of capacity — they are now looking to strengthen their team with experienced ecologists ready to take the lead on projects and mentor others.

The Opportunity

You will manage and deliver a wide variety of ecological projects from tender through to completion, providing technical leadership, maintaining client relationships, and supporting junior colleagues.

This role offers genuine responsibility, autonomy, and the chance to contribute to meaningful, technically interesting work across the planning and development sector.

About You

We’re keen to speak with candidates who can demonstrate:

• A degree in Ecology or a related discipline

• Strong professional consultancy experience in ecology

• Survey and identification expertise for one or more UK flora/fauna taxonomic groups

• Protected species licence(s), or proven experience working under licence

• Proficiency with UKHab and its application to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), NVC and related systems

• Proven project management experience from tendering through to delivery

• Experience managing clients and supporting junior staff

• Excellent technical writing skills and attention to detail

• Working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and relevant planning policy

• Practical experience delivering EcIA, EIA and HRA

• Full UK driving licence and a flexible, self-motivated approach

• Willingness to work within commuting distance of the Oxfordshire office

Desirable (but not essential)

• GIS experience (QGIS or similar)

• Bat call analysis (Kaleidoscope or similar)

• Public inquiry experience

What’s on Offer

You’ll join a small, close-knit team based in attractive rural surroundings, benefiting from a genuinely supportive working environment and strong professional development culture.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary

• Generous pension contribution

• TOIL system for fieldwork

• Annual fieldwear allowance

• Paid professional memberships

• Life insurance

• Cycle to Work scheme

• In-house and external CPD opportunities

• Staff socials and team events

• Flexible and autonomous working

Interested?

If you’re looking for a senior ecological consultancy role where your expertise will be trusted, valued, and given real influence, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply via Ocean to Earth Recruitment for a confidential discussion.