Senior / Principal Ecologist – Ecology by Design
Hybrid / Remote – 19846
Building Biodiversity Better
Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology.
At Ecology by Design, we’re redefining what it means to be an ecological consultant – blending scientific rigor with creativity, innovation and a genuine commitment to restoring nature. Your expertise drives real‑world change, free from bureaucracy and endless processes.
The Role at a Glance
* Position: Senior / Principal Ecologist
* Location: Candidates within ~100 mile radius of Oxford / Chalgrove (Hybrid / Remote)
* Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
* Contract: Full‑time, Permanent (Part‑time & flexible working considered)
* Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savills, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge
Why Join Us?
Since 2015 we have earned a reputation for technical excellence, pragmatic advice and client‑friendly service. Our vision is to ensure biodiversity is protected and prioritised across developments, balancing housing, infrastructure and energy needs with wildlife protection.
We Aim To:
* Drive positive change in 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:
* Go the extra mile for biodiversity outcomes
* Flexible and innovative, never compromising quality
* Implement evidence‑based, best‑practice survey methods and mitigation
* Challenge team members to grow and develop their talents
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver and/or lead ecological consultancy work – habitat surveys, protected species surveys, EcIAs, BNG assessments, and mitigation design
* Manage projects across the Home Counties, South and Midlands, ensuring high‑quality, client‑focused outcomes
* Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and uphold consistent quality standards across the team
* Support, mentor and guide colleagues (depending on experience level)
* Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy
About You – Essential
* Passion for ecology and environmental conservation
* Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys
* Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g. bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field
* Excellent communication and organisational skills, able to work independently and as part of a team
* 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 in an ecology‑related discipline
* Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g. Bat Low Impact, Badger)
* 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
* 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
* 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 the health and well‑being of our staff, offering in‑house mental health support and encouraging appropriate leave throughout projects.
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, our communities, and the planet.
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