Job Description
Senior / Principal / Associate Ecologist – South of England (Hybrid)
An established international environmental, health, safety and sustainability consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior-level Ecologist to join its growing Environmental Planning team in the South of England. This role offers the opportunity to work within a small but rapidly expanding UK team while being connected to a wider global network of environmental professionals.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ecologist who enjoys technical delivery, client engagement, and mentoring colleagues, and who wants to contribute to shaping a growing ecology service within a multidisciplinary consultancy.
The Role
You will manage the ecological aspects of projects from early planning stages through to completion, working alongside planners, engineers, and environmental specialists. The role will involve a balance of fieldwork, project management, technical reporting, and client liaison.
Key responsibilities include:
* Managing ecological inputs to small and medium projects from inception through to completion
* Designing, coordinating, and undertaking ecological surveys and providing pragmatic advice to clients and planning teams
* Scoping and costing ecological requirements within standalone and multidisciplinary tenders
* Completing desk studies and habitat surveys (e.g., UK Habitat Classification / Extended Phase 1)
* Undertaking surveys for commonly encountered legally protected species and advising on mitigation
* Acting as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) during construction phases where required
* Analysing survey data and preparing high-quality ecological reports
* Mentoring and supporting junior members of the ecology team
* Building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, regulators, and subcontractors
About You
Candidates should have a strong foundation in ecological consultancy and a good understanding of the UK planning and environmental policy landscape.
Essential requirements:
* Degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience)
* 4+ years’ experience working in ecological consultancy
* Associate membership of CIEEM (or higher), with ambition to progress professionally
* Strong ecological field skills across habitats and protected species
* Solid understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning policy
* Natural England survey licence (Level 1 or above)
* Experience with Defra Biodiversity Metric and UK Habitat Classification
* Proven ability to produce clear, high-quality technical reports in line with professional guidance
* Excellent teamworking and communication skills
* Full UK driving licence
* Willingness to travel for fieldwork and occasional overnight stays
Desirable Experience
* GIS skills
* Experience contributing to BREEAM assessments
* BSBI FISC Level 3+
* CSCS card
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary depending on experience and seniority
* Company pension scheme
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
* Option to purchase additional leave
* Comprehensive private health insurance including virtual GP access and wellbeing support
* Structured training and professional development
* Opportunities to attend UK and international conferences
* Hybrid working with a primarily home-based setup and periodic travel to offices or project sites
* Opportunities to collaborate with international colleagues across a global environmental consultancy network
Health, safety, and wellbeing are central to the organisation’s culture, with careful management of fieldwork hours and accommodation provided where required to avoid excessive travel.
If you are looking to join a growing ecology team with international reach, where you can influence the direction of services while continuing to develop your career, get in touch – hello@navwalkerta.com