We are seeking enthusiastic, skilled and highly motivated Principal and Senior Ecologists to join our award‑winning consultancy, based in either our Haywards Heath or Portsmouth office. You will work on a diverse portfolio of projects involving habitat creation, river restoration, natural flood management, Biodiversity Net Gain, ecological impact assessment and protected species surveys. Working closely with our engineering, geomorphology, heritage and landscape teams, you will help deliver nature‑based solutions that restore natural processes, enhance biodiversity and build resilience to climate change.
As an employee‑owned organisation, we invest in professional development, encourage innovation, support collaboration and empower staff to deliver high‑quality technical work that benefits clients, communities and the natural environment.
You will be joining an award‑winning environmental and engineering consultancy which puts innovation, sustainability and resilience at the heart of its work. Visit https://www.jbaconsulting.com/ to find out more about what we do.
Your Role
As a Principal or Senior Ecologist, you will provide high‑level technical expertise and guidance across a wide range of project types and scales. You will take responsibility for managing complex projects, supporting business development and helping to drive growth, quality and innovation.
Many projects will relate to our framework success with the Environment Agency, supported by a varied portfolio of development and planning work for local authorities, third‑sector organisations and private commercial clients. This diversity offers opportunities to apply ecological expertise across different contexts and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Providing specialist ecological expertise, guidance and technical review
* Overseeing the design and delivery of ecological surveys, assessments and mitigation strategies
* Leading project management to achieve quality, programme and budget targets
* Undertaking habitat and species surveys and delivering mitigation across varied sites
* Producing clear, accurate and high‑quality reports and analysis
* Mentoring staff, supporting development and offering constructive feedback
* Sharing knowledge, best practice and innovative approaches within the team
* Building strong client relationships and supporting effective collaboration
* Contributing to business development through tenders, networking and identifying new opportunities
Qualifications
We are seeking candidates with:
* A BSc and/or MSc degree (or equivalent) in Ecology or a closely related subject
* Full CIEEM membership, with Chartered status advantageous
* Full UK driving licence
Essential attributes include:
* Strong field skills across protected species and habitats, ideally with a survey licence (bat and water vole licences desirable).
* Experience producing high‑quality ecological reports in accordance with CIEEM guidance and industry standards.
* Good understanding of legislation, including the Habitats Regulations.
* Proficiency in delivering comprehensive BNG assessments.
* Experience in designing, implementing and managing ecological mitigation schemes, including those requiring Protected Species licensing and long‑term monitoring.
* Project management and business development experience, including preparation of quotations, tenders and scopes of work, alongside effective coordination of resources.
* Experience working within multidisciplinary teams to deliver large, complex and high‑profile projects.
* Willingness to travel as required, with occasional overnight stays for site surveys and meetings.
Desirable experience and skills include:
* Specialist knowledge in aquatic, estuarine and/or coastal ecology.
* A practical understanding of the Water Framework Directive.
* Experience in river restoration techniques.
* Knowledge of habitat restoration and creation principles, including applying nature‑based solutions to deliver sustainable ecological outcomes.
* Ecological Clerk of Works experience.
* QGIS experience.
JBA supports hybrid working which provides for greater flexibility with the way that we work. Roles are available at our Haywards Heath and Portsmouth offices.
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