Overview
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 Senior or Principal 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. We are Ecology by Design.
Role at a Glance
CIEEM Registered Practice. Certified "Great Place to Work". Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savills, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge. This is a Senior/Principal Ecologist role with ownership of work, influence on project outcomes, and leadership responsibilities.
Responsibilities
* Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work – including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (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 qualifications
* 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 qualifications
* 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 & Values
* We maintain a healthy, team oriented, supportive culture. Communication is key to all that we do, both with clients and across the company.
* We prioritise the health and well-being of our staff, including in-house mental health support.
* We value quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting, while also having fun and rewarding progress.
* We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity and we implement evidence-based, best-practice survey methods and mitigation.
* Team members are challenged to grow and develop their talents and expertise.
Application notice
We take your privacy seriously. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr