Principal / Associate Ecologist - Launch your own Ecology office
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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 rigour with creativity, innovation, and a genuine commitment to restoring nature. Here, your expertise isn’t boxed in by bureaucracy or lost in endless process; it drives real‑world change.
If you’re a Principal or Associate level Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. You’ll join a passionate, forward‑thinking team where autonomy, trust and technical excellence go hand in hand—and where your ideas shape landscapes, policy and the next generation of ecological practice.
This isn’t just another consultancy role; it’s a chance to be part of a movement that puts biodiversity, innovation and people at the heart of everything we do. For the right candidates, it’s also an opportunity to open and run your own office backed by us.
The Role at a Glance
* Title: Principal / Associate Ecologist
* 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 your typical corporate consultancy – the point is, we’re an independent, people‑first ecology business built on trust, flexibility and creativity. Forget timesheets, clock‑watching and rigid hierarchies. Here you manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them. Our offices are dog‑friendly, relaxed and full of energy, and we regularly organise team events, challenges and spontaneous adventures.
We’re proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from a wide range of backgrounds – LGBTQ+, neuro‑divergent, and many cultures and experiences. We see diversity as our collective superpower and will help you use yours to the maximum.
Our trust‑first policy backs innovation, not bureaucracy. If you love exploring new ideas – whether experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies, or building a new business from scratch – we give you full support.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work – habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, BNG 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.
Essential
* 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 the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* A 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 (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 an 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 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 everything we do, both with clients and across the company. We prioritise the health and well‑being of our staff, encouraging appropriate leave throughout projects and providing in‑house mental health support. While quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting are core, we also like to have fun.
We hope you’ll join us 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. Let’s create a values‑driven consultancy where your work truly matters, to our clients, our communities and the planet.
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