Ecologist

Ground Control; Exeter; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Recognition schemes

Private GP service

Life insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Holiday buy scheme

Job summary

Ground Control is seeking an experienced Ecologist to lead projects from enquiry to delivery, providing high-quality ecological advice and building trusted client relationships.

You will join a growing Ecology Team, delivering Biodiversity Net Gain, habitat restoration, protected species surveys, and ecological impact assessments to help clients navigate environmental challenges while achieving positive outcomes for nature.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science or related discipline.
• Minimum three years' ecological consultancy or field experience.
• CIEEM membership, Associate Member level or above.
• At least one protected species licence and lead/supported surveys.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological projects from enquiry to delivery, providing high-quality advice.
• Deliver UKHab and protected species surveys to support planning and biodiversity goals.
• Produce technical reports: PEAs, BNG Assessments, EcIAs, Habitat Management Plans, Protected Species Reports.
• Analyse data and propose practical mitigation and enhancement measures.
• Coordinate survey programmes, timescales, resources and delivery.
• Prepare fee proposals and tender submissions.
• Mentor Assistant Ecologists and share knowledge.
• Promote best practice and maintain high technical standards.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship

GIS

UK wildlife legislation

Protected species licences

UKHab surveys

Technical reporting

Team leadership

Communication

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Location: Devon or surrounding areas

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Take ownership of projects. Deliver expert ecological advice. Shape better outcomes for nature.

You're an ecologist who enjoys solving problems, building relationships and seeing projects through from start to finish. You combine strong technical knowledge with a practical approach, and you take pride in delivering high-quality work that balances ecological requirements with client needs.

At Ground Control, you'll join a growing Ecology Team where you'll have the opportunity to lead your own projects, influence project decisions and contribute to meaningful environmental improvements. From Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat restoration initiatives to protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments, you'll play a key role in helping clients navigate environmental challenges while delivering positive outcomes for nature.

What You'll Do

In this role, you'll manage ecological projects from initial enquiry through to delivery, providing high-quality technical advice and building trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.

• Deliver UKHab and protected species surveys, providing the data and insight needed to support planning, development and biodiversity objectives.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, including PEAs, BNG Assessments, EcIAs, Habitat Management Plans, Protected Species Reports and other ecological deliverables that help clients make informed decisions.
• Analyse ecological data and develop practical mitigation, enhancement and compensation measures that achieve positive environmental outcomes.
• Manage ecological projects from inception to completion, coordinating survey programmes, timescales, resources and project delivery.
• Prepare fee proposals, quotations and tender submissions, helping to support sustainable business growth and project success.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for clients, contractors, planners and stakeholders, providing clear and credible ecological advice throughout project lifecycles.
• Support and mentor Assistant Ecologists, sharing knowledge, reviewing work and helping develop the capability of the wider team.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by promoting best practice, maintaining high technical standards and identifying opportunities to enhance project delivery.

What You'll Get

• The opportunity to manage a varied portfolio of ecology projects across multiple sectors and habitats.
• Autonomy to take ownership of your work while being supported by experienced Senior and Principal Ecologists.
• Exposure to Biodiversity Net Gain, habitat restoration, protected species licensing and complex ecological challenges.
• A role where your technical expertise directly influences environmental outcomes and client success.
• Opportunities to broaden your experience, develop specialisms and progress your ecology career.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment where knowledge sharing and professional development are actively encouraged.

What We're Looking For

• A degree (or equivalent qualification) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• A minimum of three years' ecological consultancy or relevant ecological field experience.
• Membership of CIEEM, ideally Associate Member level or above.
• At least one protected species licence and experience leading or supporting licensed survey work.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological best practice.
• Experience undertaking UKHab surveys, protected species surveys and technical ecological reporting.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging clients, contractors and project teams.
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with a genuine passion for delivering high-quality ecological outcomes.
• Experience with GIS systems, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments or infrastructure projects would be advantageous.
• A full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience
• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future
• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work
• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support
• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind
• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing
• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.

We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels.