Associate Ecologist
Salary: £55,000+ DOE
Location: Cambridge (hybrid / field-based)
Our client is a leading environmental consultancy delivering applied ecology, biodiversity, and sustainability services across the UK. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Associate Ecologist to join their Cambridge-based team.
This is a senior-level role offering the opportunity to lead high-profile ecological projects, influence technical direction, and play a key role in the growth and development of the ecology team.
The Role
The Associate Ecologist will take responsibility for managing and delivering complex ecological projects while providing technical leadership across the team. You will work closely with senior leadership and key clients to ensure consistently high standards of delivery.
You will:
Lead ecological projects from proposal through to completion
Provide technical oversight, mentoring, and quality assurance
Manage client relationships and support business development
Contribute to the strategic growth of the ecology function
Provide expert input into assessment, licensing, and mitigation
Key Responsibilities
Delivery and review of PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, and BNG assessments
Advising on protected species, habitats, and legislation
Designing and overseeing surveys and mitigation strategies
Supporting recruitment, training, and performance management
Representing the ecology team internally and externally
About You
You will be an experienced applied ecologist with strong consultancy and leadership capability.
You will ideally have:
A degree (or higher) in ecology or a related discipline
Significant experience in UK ecological consultancy
CIEEM membership (or working towards it)
A track record of managing projects and clients
Strong knowledge of UK planning and wildlife legislation
Protected species licence(s) (desirable but not essential)
What's on Offer
£55,000+ depending on experience
Hybrid working from Cambridge
Clear progression to Principal / Director level
Ongoing professional development and chartership support
High-quality projects with real environmental impact
Please contact James Hardie at Penguin Recruitment