Job description
Senior Ecologist
SE | Homebased
£36,000 to £43,000
An established environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join its growing team in the South East. This is an opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of projects spanning conservation, infrastructure, water and energy sectors, supporting a wide range of public and private sector clients.
The successful candidate will play a key role within the terrestrial ecology team, delivering field surveys, ecological assessments and technical reporting while managing projects from inception through to completion. The role offers the chance to collaborate with specialists across multiple environmental disciplines including hydrology, fisheries science, geomorphology and water quality, providing excellent scope for professional development and cross-sector experience.
This position would suit an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in their career, with increasing responsibility for project management, client liaison and mentoring junior team members. There is a clear pathway for progression into a Principal Ecologist role for the right individual.
The role will involve leading and undertaking a variety of terrestrial ecology surveys including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, UK Habitat Classification surveys and protected species surveys covering species such as bats, dormice, amphibians, reptiles, otter, water vole and birds. You will be responsible for producing high-quality ecological reports including PEAs, EcIAs and Environmental Statement chapters, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high technical standard.
You will also contribute to tender preparation and business development activities, support wider ecology projects through data analysis and interpretation, and help develop the capability of the ecology team through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
Applicants should hold a degree in ecology or a related discipline and have strong experience in ecological consultancy, including project management and client-facing responsibilities. Membership of CIEEM, or eligibility for membership, is essential. Strong botanical and habitat survey skills are required, alongside experience writing ecological reports and leading protected species surveys. Candidates should also have a good understanding of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and environmental regulations.
A protected species licence and a full UK driving licence are essential, as the role will involve travel across the South and South East, with occasional overnight stays.
Additional experience in GIS mapping, Habitat Regulations Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment or European Protected Species licensing would be advantageous, as would experience mentoring junior ecologists.
The organisation offers a flexible hybrid working environment built around collaboration, wellbeing and professional growth. It is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people are supported to develop, contribute and thrive, regardless of background or experience.
About us: Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose-led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change, promote sustainability and create inclusive and responsible organisations, working towards a sustainable world for us all. Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace, we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. Let's help build a better world, together.
