Job description

Senior Ecologist (12-month maternity cover, likely to become permanent)
Location: England
Package: Competitive
We are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join a fast-growing, market-leading organisation delivering large-scale habitat creation and Biodiversity Net Gain projects across England. This is a 12-month maternity cover role with a strong likelihood of becoming permanent.
The role will lead the delivery of habitat bank projects within a defined region, from early site assessment through habitat creation and long-term monitoring. It combines technical ecological leadership with project management, stakeholder engagement and close collaboration with ecologists, land managers and wider delivery teams.
A core requirement is strong botanical expertise. Candidates must hold FISC Level 4 or demonstrate clear equivalence in line with the Botanical Field Skills Pyramid. The role requires confident delivery and oversight of UK Habitat Classification surveys, habitat condition assessments and detailed botanical surveys, alongside application of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric and preparation of Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. Experience in habitat design, management planning and GIS is essential.
Applicants should hold a degree in ecology or a related discipline, with postgraduate qualifications desirable, and be a Full or Associate member of CIEEM. Proven experience working on BNG projects, strong knowledge of UK ecology, and practical experience of habitat creation or land management are required. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel are essential.
The organisation offers flexible working, a supportive and values-led culture, strong benefits and the opportunity to work at the forefront of nature recovery in England.
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.