Associate Ecologist / Associate Director

Advance TRS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in Bristol is seeking an Associate Ecologist / Associate Director to lead ecological project delivery. Responsibilities include overseeing assessments, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with UK wildlife legislation. Ideal candidates will have strong project delivery experience and chartership. This role offers competitive compensation, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development support

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Experience conducting UKHab surveys, PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs and BNG assessments.
• Experience with protected species surveys, mitigation and licensing.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological input on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Undertake and oversee ecological assessments and habitat design.
• Develop pragmatic and innovative mitigation and compensation strategies.
• Ensure quality assurance and delivery of high-standard ecological outputs.
• Manage and mentor ecologists at varying career stages.
• Oversee project management, including budgets and timelines.
• Support business development and client relationship management.

Skills

Applied ecology

UK wildlife legislation

Report-writing

Communication skills

Botanical expertise (FISC Level 3+)

Leadership

Team management

Mentoring ability

Education

Chartered (CEnv / CEcol) or eligible for chartership

Job description

Job Title

Associate Ecologist / Associate Director

Salary

£(phone number removed) (dependent on experience)

Location

UK (Bristol office, with flexible / hybrid working)

Type

Permanent | Hybrid working available

About the Role

This senior position offers an opportunity to lead ecological workstreams on a wide range of development and nature recovery projects. You'll take a hands‑on role in delivering ecological assessments, habitat design, and mitigation strategies, as well as mentoring and managing team members. You'll act as a key technical authority, ensuring projects meet the highest ecological standards while supporting the growth and success of the wider ecology team.

About the Client

Our client is a highly respected consultancy known for delivering large-scale environmental and infrastructure projects across the UK. Their 130‑strong ecology team — including senior members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) — collaborates across disciplines to create sustainable, nature‑positive outcomes. They offer a supportive, inclusive and flexible culture where people and wellbeing come first.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological input on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Undertake and oversee ecological assessments and habitat design.
• Develop pragmatic and innovative mitigation and compensation strategies.
• Ensure quality assurance and delivery of high‑standard ecological outputs.
• Manage and mentor ecologists at varying career stages.
• Oversee project management, including budgets and timelines.
• Support business development, bidding and client relationship management.

What Our Client is Looking For

• Strong background in applied ecology and project delivery.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and ecological best practice.
• Experience conducting UKHab surveys, PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs and BNG assessments.
• Excellent report‑writing and communication skills.
• Botanical expertise (FISC Level 3+ or equivalent).
• Experience with protected species surveys, mitigation and licensing.
• Demonstrated leadership, team management and mentoring ability.
• Chartered (CEnv / CEcol) or eligible for chartership.
• Full UK driving licence.

What Our Client Offers

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• A collaborative, inclusive and people‑first culture.
• Professional development and chartership support.
• Opportunities to work on high‑profile UK projects that deliver tangible environmental impact.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Some projects may require eligibility for UK security clearance (minimum 5 years' UK residency).

Opportunity for Growth

This role offers a clear route into senior leadership, providing opportunities to shape team direction, influence policy, and lead innovative ecological projects across the UK.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.