Principal / Associate Ecologist – Launch your own Ecology office
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 rigour with creativity, innovation and genuine commitment to restoring nature. Your expertise drives real‑world change, not buried in bureaucracy.
The Role at a Glance
Location: UK South East / Midlands
Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise
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 Ecology by Design?
We’re not a typical corporate consultancy. Forget timesheets, clock‑watching and rigid hierarchies. Here you manage your own hours, work where you work best and take unlimited holidays. Our offices are dog‑friendly; we celebrate team spirit with challenges, drinks and spontaneous adventures.
We’re proud to be diverse and inclusive. You’ll have full support for exploring new ideas – AI, new methodologies, even building a new business from scratch.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver and/or lead ecological consultancy work: habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and mitigation design.
* Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South and Midlands, ensuring high‑quality, client‑focused outcomes.
* Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support 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
* 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 (e.g. bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field.
* Excellent communication and organisational skills, with ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
* 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 unlimited external training budget and in‑house learning.
* Apple computer and iPhone provided.
* Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work‑life balance.
* 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, with clients and across the company. We prioritise staff health and well‑being, providing in‑house mental health support and encouraging appropriate leave throughout projects.
Apply Today
Apply today and join a values‑driven consultancy where your work truly matters – to our clients, our communities and the planet.
Application notice: We take your privacy seriously. As you might expect, you may be contacted by email, text or telephone. Your data is processed by our talent partner RR (Recruitment Revolution) on the basis of their legitimate interests in fulfilling the recruitment process. Please refer to their Data Privacy Policy & Notice on their website for further details.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Consulting and Management
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