Associate Ecologist

APEM Group; Banbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy is seeking an Associate Ecologist to oversee a range of UK development and conservation projects. This role combines technical expertise with project management and client engagement, mentoring others while ensuring high-quality outcomes. You will be instrumental in shaping ecological consultancy services, working in a collaborative and adaptive team environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Access to mental health first aiders

Comprehensive income protection

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Extensive ecological consultancy experience required.
• Full CIEEM membership or eligibility is necessary.
• Proven record with Phase 1 surveys and protected species work.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of terrestrial ecology surveys.
• Mentor junior and senior ecologists.
• Oversee production of technical reports.

Skills

Ecological consultancy

Project management

Client engagement

Leadership

Report writing

Species identification

Education

Relevant degree

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

GIS

Job description

About The Role

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to take on a leadership role within a growing consultancy team? Do you enjoy managing complex projects, mentoring others, and shaping the future of ecological consultancy services? Are you looking to apply your expertise across a broad and exciting range of UK development and conservation projects?

We’re looking for an Associate Ecologist to join our specialist team at Aspect Ecology, based in Oxfordshire. This is a key role offering the opportunity to combine technical leadership, project management, client engagement, and team development in one of the UK’s most respected ecological consultancies.

In this role, you’ll lead the design and delivery of terrestrial ecology surveys, manage and mentor junior and senior ecologists, and oversee the production of high-quality technical reports. You’ll be responsible for delivering complex projects across sectors such as housing, retail, infrastructure, and renewables. You’ll also play an active role in business development—building client relationships, securing new work, and shaping company strategy alongside the senior management team.

To Be Successful In This Role, You’ll Need

1. Extensive professional ecological consultancy experience (or similar sector background)
2. A relevant degree (and ideally a postgraduate qualification)
3. Comprehensive species and habitat identification skills (flora and fauna)
4. Proven track record with Phase 1 / UKHab surveys and protected species work, including holding at least one survey licence
5. In-depth knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and licensing processes
6. Excellent report writing, project management and client liaison skills
7. Leadership ability, with a passion for mentoring and developing others
8. Full CIEEM membership (or eligibility)
9. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, including overnight stays

It’d Be Great If You Also Have

1. Experience with NVC or Modular River Surveys (MoRPh)
2. Experience of Public Inquiry work (evidence preparation or presentation)
3. GIS or ecological modelling skills
4. CSCS card

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need is some basic information and your CV. We will review all applications quickly and respond to all applicants.

About You

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy. We work with clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our pioneering work has enabled us to grow and join forces with other businesses that share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working towards the protection of the environment across the globe.