Ecologist

JS Money Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in environmental services in Greater London is seeking an Ecologist to conduct ecological assessments and support biodiversity projects. The role requires a relevant degree and field skills in habitat surveys. Responsibilities include producing ecological reports, managing fieldwork, and contributing to various projects. The company offers a competitive salary and professional growth opportunities, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on sustainability and inclusivity.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Profit-sharing arrangements

Private medical insurance

Extensive learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Field skills in UKHab / Phase 1 habitat surveys.
• Experienced in drafting ecological reports.

Responsibilities

• Authoring Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Impact Assessments.
• Planning and managing field surveys including protected species surveys.
• Managing small projects and contributing to larger project workstreams.

Skills

Field skills in habitat surveys

Understanding of UK ecological legislation

Experience with GIS software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Zoology, Geography or Biology

Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc in Ecological Consultancy)

Tools

GIS (e.g. ArcGIS)

Job description

My client is an independent consultancy made up of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, working across all aspects of the built and natural environment. Guided by a strong purpose, shared values, and a collaborative approach, they have been shaping sustainable outcomes for communities and clients for decades.

The Opportunity

My client is currently recruiting two Ecologist on a permanent basis to join their Midlands and South West teams, with flexible base locations in Birmingham, Bristol, or Cardiff.

Key Responsibilities

• Authoring Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), baseline species survey reports, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
• Supporting the preparation of Habitats Regulations Assessments, Environmental Statements, and mitigation strategies for major development projects
• Researching and preparing advice on biodiversity design, habitat restoration and enhancement, green infrastructure, and other nature-based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and enhance climate resilience
• Planning, managing and undertaking field surveys including: Phase 1 Habitat / UKHab surveys (including condition assessments for BNG and invasive species); Protected species surveys (e.g. bats, great crested newts, badgers and other mammals); Analysing and interpreting ecological survey data using appropriate analysis software and GIS tools; Applying BNG and other biodiversity and natural capital metrics, supporting: Natural capital and environmental net gain studies; Site and corporate biodiversity strategies; Nature-related reporting frameworks and policies
• Managing small projects and contributing defined workstreams on larger projects, including coordination of ecological subcontractors

Culture & Values

My client fosters a collaborative and inclusive working environment where individuality is encouraged, and diverse perspectives are valued. Employees are supported to do meaningful, socially beneficial work that contributes positively to clients, communities, and the environment, while supporting long-term career development.

About You

• A minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Ecology, Zoology, Geography or Biology (or equivalent)
• A postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc in Ecological Consultancy) is advantageous but not essential
• Established or developing field skills in UKHab / Phase 1 habitat surveys; Protected species surveys (e.g. bats, dormouse, badger, reptiles, great crested newt)
• A sound understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning policy relevant to development
• Experience in drafting ecological reports and undertaking biodiversity metric calculations
• An interest in developing skills across wider nature consultancy services, such as Natural capital and environmental net gain; Biodiversity strategy development; Policy development; Environmental and social impact assessment, including international projects
• Experience with digital data management and analysis, including GIS (e.g. ArcGIS)
• A full UK driving licence, as the role may involve travel

What My Client Offers

My client offers a competitive and comprehensive reward package, designed to support both professional growth and personal wellbeing. This includes: Competitive, fair and equitable salary; Profit‑sharing arrangements; Private medical insurance; Life assurance, accident insurance and income protection; Flexible benefits to support health, wellbeing, and work–life balance; Extensive learning and development opportunities; The opportunity to work on high‑profile, impactful projects for a wide range of clients.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

My client is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurodiversity or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or family status. They are committed to creating accessible recruitment processes and inclusive workplaces and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the application and interview process where required.