We're looking for a Senior Ecologist or experienced Ecologist ready to step up who is seeking a varied workload to join our independent ecological consultancy. You'll lead ecological projects from inception to completion, manage and mentor junior staff, and serve as a trusted point of contact for clients. This is a hands‑on role combining fieldwork, report writing, and project management.
Wessex Ecology is an independent ecological consultancy providing expert advice to developers, landowners, and public‑sector clients across southern England and Wales. Our client base includes householders, architects, house builders, water utilities, rural agents and government agencies.
Key responsibilities
* Lead and deliver Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EcIA and EIA chapters, and protected species surveys
* Manage project budgets, timelines, and client relationships
* Provide technical QA and sign‑off on survey reports and mitigation strategies
* Mentor and supervise junior team members
* Maintain and develop client accounts
* Contribute to tenders and fee proposals
About You
* Minimum 5 years' post‑graduate consultancy experience
* Full membership of CIEEM (MCIEEM)
* Confident with BNG assessments and biodiversity metric calculations
* Holding or close to achieving a minimum two protected species survey licences (e.g., great crested newt, bat, dormouse)
* Competence in GIS (QGIS)
* Strong report‑writing and communication skills
* Full UK driving licence
* Additional survey licences (e.g., rare reptile, barn owl, white‑clawed crayfish)
* FISC level 4
* Track record of preparing project mitigation licences
* Track record of business development or client acquisition
Job title: Senior Ecologist
Contract: Permanent
Office location: Aylesbury/Oxford/Bristol
Hours: 40/week (between May & September these hours worked Monday to Thursday)
Holiday entitlement: 224 statutory holiday hours/year (equivalent to 28 eight‑hour days.) This includes public holidays. In addition to statutory holidays we offer a further 40 hours/year (equivalent to 5 eight‑hour days).
Benefits
one professional membership paid, all work‑related expenses paid, NEST pension after 3 months. After 12 months you will receive a profit related bonus. Personal training budget of £1000/year. Use of Company van for work. Private medical insurance. Death in service benefit.
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