Ecologist (2 years+ Experience)

Surrey Wildlife Trust; Pirbright; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above minimum pension contributions

Life assurance 4 x salary

Employee support scheme

22 days holiday

Flexible working policy

Job summary

Surrey Wildlife Trust seeks an Ecologist with 2+ years of experience to join SWT Ecology Services in Pirbright. You will balance development needs with environmental goals, delivering ecological surveys and consultancy across diverse projects.

The role involves fieldwork, reporting, client liaison and contributing to business development within a collaborative team. Hybrid working is offered with a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments.
• Experience with protected species surveys and habitat surveys.
• Ability to interpret legislation and planning policy for clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver ecological projects from inception to completion.
• Undertake habitat and protected species surveys.
• Carry out desk studies and ecological assessments.
• Prepare technical reports, quotations and project documentation.
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and habitat projects.
• Manage budgets and programme delivery.
• Build relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Ecology

Field surveys

Report writing

CSCS Card

Driver's licence

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ecologist (2 years+ Experience)

Closing date: Friday 25 September 2026 Salary: £27- £32k p/a plus benefits package Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time Location: Pirbright HQ, School Lane, Pirbright, Surrey, GU240JN Hybrid working with a mix of home, office & site-based work

Join one of the UK’s leading Wildlife Trust Consultancies, where your work directly contributes to nature recovery across Surrey, and beyond.

A consultant ecologist’s role is to balance the objectives of developers with the needs of the environment.

In joining SWT Ecology Services you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality ecological advice and survey work across a diverse range of projects.From protected species surveys and habitat assessments to Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat management projects, you’ll help clients achieve their objectives whilst supporting nature recovery.

The role

As part of a team of 24 expert ecologists, GIS analysists and support staff, you will work on a diverse portfolio of projects, undertaking field surveys, desk studies, reporting and client liaison.Working closely with colleagues you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality ecological consultancy services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and delivering ecological projects from inception to completion.
• Undertaking habitat and protected species surveys.
• Carrying out desk studies and ecological assessments.
• Preparing technical reports, quotations and project documentation.
• Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and habitat-based projects.
• Managing project budgets and programme delivery.
• Building positive relationships with clients, stakeholders and colleagues.
• Contributing to business development and securing repeat business opportunities.

This is a permanent full time role.

We operate a flexi policy and aim to provide a good work-life balance whilst having an interesting and challenging working environment.

The salary offered to successful applicants will be agreed based on qualifications and experience and will form part of a benefits package including: above minimum pension contributions, life assurance of 4 x salary, employee support scheme, 22 days holiday and flexible working policy.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about ecology and nature conservation and who enjoys working in a collaborative consultancy environment.

You will ideally have experience in undertaking and delivering Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Ecological Clerk of Works, and protected species and habitat surveys with an understanding of applying legislation and planning policy to your advice to clients.

You will have demonstrable experience in managing and delivering small projects, including strong report writing and communication skills and be able to manage workload and deadlines, including prioritising tasks based on project and company requirements.

You will be able to analyse and interpret data, using Microsoft package tools to deliver your work effectively.

You must be ready to travel, work in the field and work flexible hours and ideally have a CSCS card. Given the role involves travelling around the county, you will need to have a valid UK driver’s licence and access to your own transport.

At Surrey Wildlife Trust, we believe that nature is vital for everyone. By joining SWT Ecology Services, you'll become part of a friendly and highly respected team whose work directly contributes to restoring and enhancing nature across Surrey.

We offer:

• The opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Active professional development support, protected species licensing, CIEEM progression and specialist technical skills.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• The chance to make a tangible contribution to nature recovery

We are also active across the Wildlife Trust Consultancies network and attend quarterly webinars on current ecological trends; in addition to attending an annual conference where you can network with ecologists throughout the country.

Our office is in Pirbright.

A typical week might include:

• Undertaking protected species surveys.
• Completing habitat assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain work.
• Preparing reports and ecological advice.
• Visiting clients and project sites.
• Working with colleagues to develop solutions that balance development and nature recovery.

If this is the role for you:

If you’re an ambitious ecologist looking to combine technical excellence with meaningful conservation outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from backgrounds which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities.

We are committed to offering an interview to all candidates that meet the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustment to make our recruitment process more accessible.

Initial interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams as applications are received then formally, in person, week commencing 28 th September 2026.