P>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. Your expertise drives real‑world change, not lost in bureaucracy or endless process.
The Role at a Glance
* Senior / Principal Ecologist
* Location: Within 100‑mile radius of Oxford / Chalgrove
* Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise
* Contract: Full‑time, Permanent – part‑time & 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. An independent, people‑first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity.
Forget timesheets, clock‑watching, and rigid hierarchies. You manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them. We believe happy, trusted people do their best work, so we give you the freedom to shape how you work, not just what you do.
Our offices are dog‑friendly,, and full of energy. You’ll be surrounded by passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other. We’re an SME with an awesome team culture — from summer Olympics and Three Peaks challenges to Friday drinks and spontaneous adventures.
We’re proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from all backgrounds – LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and from a wide mix of cultures and experiences.
And if you love exploring new ideas—experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies, or building a new business from scratch—you’ll have our full support. Our trust‑first policy backs innovation, not bureaucracy.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work — 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.
About You
* 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.
* 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.
* Excellent training and development, including an unlimited external training budget and in‑house learning.
* Apple computer and iPhone provided.
* 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 all that we do, both with clients and across the company.
We prioritise the health and well‑being of our staff. From encouraging people to take appropriate leave throughout projects and providing in‑house mental‑health support, keeping our team safe, healthy and feeling valued are all part of our company ethos. Whilst quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting is core to our business, we like to have fun too.
How to Apply
Apply today and join a values‑driven consultancy where your work truly matters – to our clients, our communities, and the planet.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Ecology by Design by 2x.
We take your privacy seriously. As you might expect, we 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.
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