Senior / Principal Ecologist - Ecology by Design. Hybrid / Remote
Ecology by Design is redefining ecological consultancy by blending scientific rigour with creativity and a commitment to restoring nature. We’re looking for a Senior or Principal Ecologist who will own their work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose within a collaborative, autonomous team that values technical excellence.
This is more than a consultancy role; it’s an opportunity to contribute to biodiversity, innovation, and people-centered ecological practice, shaping landscapes, policy, and the next generation of ecological work.
The Role at a Glance
Ecologist (Senior / Principal Level)
Location: Inviting candidates from a ~100 mile radius of Oxford / Chalgrove
Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise
Benefits: Plus benefits
Contract: Full-time, Permanent - Part-time and flexible working considered
Pedigree: CIEEM Registered Practice. Certified “Great Place to Work”
Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savills, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge
Why Join Us?
Since our launch in 2015, we’ve built a reputation for technical excellence, pragmatic advice, and client-friendly service. You’ll deliver innovative, evidence-based ecological insights that support sustainable development and biodiversity protection. Our vision is to prioritise biodiversity across developments and balance housing, infrastructure, secure energy provision with people and wildlife in the wider landscape.
We Aim To
* Drive positive change to how people live with, work in and value the environment
* Achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
* Maintain a constant drive for quality and client satisfaction
Company Values
* We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
* We are flexible and innovative, but we don’t compromise on quality
* We implement evidence-based, best-practice survey methods and mitigation
* Team members are challenged to grow and develop their talents/expertise
This is a chance to contribute to meaningful environmental change while developing your career in a supportive, flexible, and dynamic workplace.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver and/or lead ecological consultancy work, including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, and mitigation design
* Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South, and Midlands with high-quality, client-focused outcomes
* Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards
* Support, mentor, and guide colleagues (depending on experience level)
* Contribute to business development and help shape the growth of the consultancy
Essential
About You
* A genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation
* Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys
* Survey licence for at least one protected species or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field
* Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
* A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required
Desirable
* Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM, or related ecological assessments
* Experience of mentoring or line management (particularly for Principal-level candidates)
* GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS - training available)
* CIEEM membership (or eligibility)
* Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology-related discipline
* Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g. Bat Low Impact, Badger)
* Experience or interest in client development and consultancy growth
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Hybrid working: a flexible mix of home and office base
* Excellent training and development, including an unlimited external training budget and in-house learning
* Paid professional memberships (e.g. CIEEM)
* Apple computer and iPhone provided
* Generous pension scheme
* Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements
* A supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued
* A chance to help shape a growing consultancy’s culture and direction
Company Culture
We maintain a healthy, team-oriented, supportive culture. Communication is key to all that we do, both with clients and across the company. We prioritise staff well-being, with paid leave and in-house mental health support as part of our ethos. We like to have fun too.
If you’re an ecologist looking to progress your career and make a tangible difference — whether stepping into senior responsibility or leading projects at a principal level — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and join a values-driven consultancy where your work truly matters — to our clients, communities, and the planet.
Application notice: We take your privacy seriously. Your data may be processed by our talent partner RR (Recruitment Revolution) for recruitment purposes. Please refer to their Data Privacy Policy & Notice for details.
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