Principal / Associate Ecologist – Launch your own Ecology office

Overview

As a Principal or Associate Ecologist, you take ownership of projects and drive real-world ecological outcomes. You’ll work with a passionate, autonomous team that values trust, innovation, and high-quality delivery. You will shape landscapes, policy, and the next generation of ecological practice, including opportunities to lead your own office for the right candidate. You’ll operate in a flexible, people-first environment that supports growth and experimentation in biodiversity work.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working offering flexibility
• Unlimited external training budget and in-house learning
• Paid professional memberships (e.g., CIEEM)
• Apple computer and iPhone provided
• Generous pension scheme

Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead ecological consultancy work (habitat surveys: Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats; protected species surveys; EcIA; Biodiversity Net Gain assessments; mitigation design)
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South, and Midlands with a client-focused approach
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and uphold quality standards across the team
• Support, mentor, and guide colleagues according to experience level
• Contribute to business development and help grow the consultancy

Key requirements

• 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 ecological expertise
• Excellent communication and organisational skills; ability to work independently and in a team
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

• strong communication
• organisational skills
• teamwork and collaboration
• habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats)
• protected species surveys
• EcIA

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