Senior Ecologist

An established environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its growing team. This role offers a varied workload across infrastructure, construction, and development projects, combining fieldwork, technical leadership, and project delivery.

You'll work closely with project managers and senior colleagues, acting as a technical lead on ecological matters while supporting junior team members and ensuring projects are delivered to a high professional standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver protected species surveys, including bats.
• Act as technical ecological lead across a range of projects.
• Undertake and manage Ecological Clerk of Works duties on site.
• Complete UKHab / Phase 1 surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Support the preparation of HRAs, mitigation licences, and EIA ecology inputs.
• Assist with project coordination from inception through to completion.
• Ensure compliance with ecological legislation, licences, and planning conditions.
• Review and guide the work of junior ecologists.

What You'll Bring

• Degree in ecology or a related environmental discipline.
• Minimum 2-4 years' UK experience in ecological consultancy or related sector.
• Bat licence holder (Level 1, working towards Level 2).
• Strong experience in protected species and habitat surveys.
• Sound understanding of the planning system, including BNG.
• Proven technical report writing and quality assurance skills.
• Confident communicator with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage workloads and coordinate surveys effectively.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and work survey hours.

Desirable:

• Membership of CIEEM (or working towards chartership).
• Experience producing protected species licences.
• Background in infrastructure, transport, or property development projects.
• Additional protected species licences (GCN, dormice, reptiles, barn owls).
• Experience with EIAs, HRAs, and GIS mapping.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Remote working and site visits.
• Company car or car allowance with mileage.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid arrangements.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthday leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to step into a senior position within a supportive consultancy, delivering high-quality ecological services on diverse and meaningful projects. You'll benefit from flexibility, strong career development, and the opportunity to make a real impact across the environmental sector.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via