Principal / Associate Ecologist – Launch your own Ecology office

Overview

As a Principal or Associate Ecologist at Ecology by Design, you will own and influence projects, driving real-world biodiversity outcomes. You’ll join a values-driven, flexible team where autonomy and technical excellence enable you to shape landscapes, policy, and ecological practice. You will lead ecological consultancy work, mentor colleagues, and contribute to new business growth. This is a chance to foster innovation and grow a growing, people-first consultancy with strong client impact.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible hybrid working
• unlimited annual leave
• training budget and in-house learning
• generous pension scheme
• Apple computer and iPhone provided
• pay and benefits package

Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead 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 with high-quality, client-focused outcomes
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and uphold quality standards across the team
• Support, mentor, and guide colleagues (depending on experience level)
• Contribute to business development and help grow the consultancy

Key requirements

• 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

• strong communication skills
• excellent organisational skills
• ability to work independently and within a team
• habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats)
• protected species surveys
• EcIA

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