Associate Ecologist/Associate Director (ornithological specialist)A

Penguin Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multidisciplinary consultancy in the UK seeks an experienced Associate Ecologist or Associate Director to manage and lead ecological projects. This role involves developing client relationships, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring high standards across diverse sectors. Ideal candidates have a relevant degree, strong project management skills, and extensive ecological consultancy experience. Competitive salary and flexible working options offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary (£55,000 - £65,000 DOE)

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

A comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Full membership or eligibility of CIEEM is essential.
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy is required.
• In-depth knowledge of UK wildlife legislation is critical.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of ecology projects from inception to completion.
• Manage client relationships and business development.
• Support and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Leadership capability

Communication skills

Project management

Client management

Report writing skills

Education

Degree in ecology, environmental science, or related discipline

Job description

Associate Ecologist / Associate Director

Location: Offices UK-wide (flexible/hybrid working options)

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 DOE

Employer: Our client, a leading multidisciplinary consultancy

About the Role

Our client, a renowned multidisciplinary consultancy with offices across the UK, is seeking a talented Associate Ecologist or Associate Director to join their growing Environmental Team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in their career and lead high‑profile, complex projects across a range of sectors – including infrastructure, energy, transport, and development.

As an integral part of the ecology leadership team, you will be responsible for managing and mentoring ecologists, developing client relationships, leading project delivery, and contributing to the strategic growth of the ecology service.

Why Join?

Our client offers a supportive and collaborative working culture, with opportunities for career progression, professional development, and involvement in some of the UK's most exciting environmental projects.

You'll benefit from:

• Competitive salary (£55,000 - £65,000 DOE)
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements
• A comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunities to lead and shape an expanding ecology function

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership capability, and commercial awareness.

Essential Requirements

• A degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• Full membership (or eligibility) of CIEEM.
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, ideally within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proven track record in project management and team leadership.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and ecological best practice.
• Excellent communication, client management, and report‑writing skills.

Desirable

• Chartered Ecologist status.
• Experience working on large‑scale infrastructure or transport projects.
• Protected species licences (particularly bats or GCN).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the delivery of ecology projects from inception to completion.
• Provide technical and strategic input across a variety of ecological disciplines.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development opportunities.
• Support and mentor junior members of the team.
• Oversee survey programmes, impact assessments, mitigation design, and ecological reporting.
• Ensure high standards of technical delivery, health and safety, and environmental compliance.
• Contribute to bids, tenders, and framework submissions.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step into leadership – or an established Associate seeking a new challenge – we'd love to hear from you.

Please contact James Hardie at Penguin Recruitment