Associate Ecologist – BNG

JS Money Limited; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy seeks a Biodiversity Net Gain expert in the UK. Join a passionate team to oversee projects, enhance output quality, and mentor colleagues. Ideal candidates should excel in ecology, survey skills, and project management, with a strong commitment to client relationships. This role offers a hybrid work model and a supportive culture. Competitive salary and numerous benefits included.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Life insurance 3 × salary

20 days annual leave +1 for Birthday

Up to 2 professional memberships paid

Access to mental health professionals

Contributory pension matched up to 4%

Internal and external training

Employee assistance programme (EAP)

Access to mentors

Local artisanal coffee

Qualifications

• Experience with EIA and HRA.
• A full UK driving licence.
• Ability to take lead as Project Director on larger projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the technical quality of outputs.
• Act as Project Director for larger ventures.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members.

Skills

Excellent survey skills

Strong report writing and reviewing capabilities

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Confidence in liaising with statutory bodies

Commitment to excellence

Enthusiastic team player

Education

Top academic qualifications in ecology or biological sciences

CIEEM membership working towards Chartership

Job description

Job Overview

How does a three‑day weekend sound? Would you like to work a four‑day week and get paid the same as you would for five days?

My client prides themselves on their value lead approach to Ecology. They believe passionately in working to the highest standards in the industry and providing their staff with a highly rewarding culture and work/life balance.

Role Highlights

Are you passionate about botany, habitat management, and its real‑world application? My client is searching for a Biodiversity Net Gain expert to steer our initiatives across the national team. As part of their dynamic tribe, you’ll dive into:

• Overseeing the technical quality of our outputs
• Stepping up as the Project Director for larger or more intricate ventures
• Embodying a proactive stance in technical leadership
• Championing your area of expertise, staying updated with the latest trends, and sharing insights with the team
• Playing a pivotal role in internal training initiatives
• Mentoring and collaborating with members across all my clients offices
• Enhancing our work quality by collaborating across disciplines and with contractors
• Crafting pragmatic solutions for our clients, always with a solution‑driven mindset

You’ll also take on the challenge of steering intricate projects right from their inception to the final touches, encompassing everything from Preliminary Ecology Appraisals to Management Plans and Method Statements.

Why Join Us

This role is all about enabling the team to land projects they love. Forge genuine, rewarding relationships with clients, champion their projects, and don your problem‑solving hat because nothing beats the satisfaction of resolving clients’ challenges.

My client values innovation over convention; the usual route isn’t always our chosen path. They care deeply and celebrate loudly. My client’s “one big family” approach means they are always looking for the next big opportunity. Every day is a blend of meaningful work, good laughs, and honest conversations. If you thrive in this kind of setting, then you’ll fit right in.

Location

Hybrid/Remote – Must be able to travel to one or more of these locations on a weekly basis: London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter.

Ideal Experience & Qualifications

• Top academic qualifications in ecology or biological sciences
• Excellent survey skills, including extended Phase I, protected species surveys (with at least one licence or specialism) and/or botanical survey(s)
• To be a CIEEM member working towards Chartership
• Experience with EIA and HRA
• Strong report writing and reviewing capabilities
• A solid grasp of the legislative and planning policy framework
• To maintain regular and open communication with our clients, ensuring we’re attuned to their needs and challenges
• The ability to take the lead as a Project Director on larger projects, ensuring their timely and successful delivery
• Confidence in liaising with statutory bodies and LPAs
• To be an enthusiastic team player, always ready to pitch in and collaborate
• A commitment to the pursuit of excellence in all tasks
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• A full UK driving licence

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Life insurance of 3 × salary
• 20 days annual leave, +1 for your Birthday!
• Up to 2 professional memberships paid
• A 3‑day weekend, every week
• Access to mental health professionals, support and counselling
• Contributory pension, matched up to 4 %
• Internal and external funded training
• Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• Access to internal and external mentors
• Local, artisanal coffee!

Contact Information

If you are interested in finding out more about this position or similar roles and would like a discreet non‑committal chat, please contact Jeremy Money (jeremy@jsm‑associates.co.uk).

This is one of a number of exciting positions currently available via JSM Associates. JSM offers an extensive range of jobs in the areas of Environmental and Sustainability, including ESG, EIA and Ecology, Contaminated Land, Environmental Planning, Air Quality and Noise.

Phone – 01934 312155
Email – jeremy@jsm‑associates.co.uk
Website – www.jsm‑associates.co.uk
Twitter – @JSMAssociates
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/jsm‑associates