Ecologist / Senior Ecologist

Hankinson Duckett Associates; Wallingford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible / hybrid working

Competitive salary

Generous training & bonus schemes

Employee owned trust (EOT)

Job summary

Hankinson Duckett Associates (HDA) is seeking an enthusiastic Ecologist/Senior Ecologist to join our growing team. You will work on protected species surveys, ecological assessments, and mitigation schemes, with opportunities to lead projects and develop client relationships.

The role offers flexible/hybrid working, a competitive salary, and generous training and bonus schemes within an employee-owned trust framework.

Qualifications

• Education to at least BSc level in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience).
• A genuine passion for wildlife with knowledge of UK fauna and flora and ability to carry out and co-ordinate surveys.
• Experience in ecological impact assessments for various schemes.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Experience designing and implementing cost- and time-efficient mitigation strategies.
• Experience managing a diverse range of projects.
• Strong knowledge of nature conservation legislation and the UK planning system.
• Full driving licence and car ownership.
• Ability to liaise confidently with clients and consultees on ecological matters.

Responsibilities

• Carry out and coordinate surveys for a wide range of habitats and species.
• Prepare Ecological Impact Assessments for diverse schemes.
• Design and implement mitigation strategies that are cost- and time-efficient.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of projects and client relationships.
• Advise clients and consultees on ecological matters and planning requirements.

Skills

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Client liaison

Project coordination

Education

BSc in a relevant discipline

Licence to survey for European Protected Species

ACIEEM/MCIEEM membership

Job description

Hankinson Duckett Associates (HDA) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Ecologist/Senior Ecologist to join our friendly team within our growing practice.

About us

HDA is a team of ecologists, landscape architects and arboriculturalists who collaborate to ensure that the environment is at the forefront of development decisions. We have a well‑established national client base within both the private and public sectors, and our advice is sought at all stages of the planning, design and implementation process for a wide range of development types and environmental projects. HDA was founded in 1998 and has recently become an employee owned trust (EOT), meaning that HDA is managed for the benefit of its employees.

What we do

The work of our ecology team involves protected species and habitat surveys, ecological assessments (including Biodiversity Net Gain), and design and implementation of mitigation schemes. We are also highly regarded for our habitat design, enhancement and creation works, and preparation of habitat management plans. Within the wider practice we also carry out landscape assessment and design, and provide arboricultural surveys and advice. For examples of the wide range of projects the successful applicants will be involved with, please see our website.

What we offer

In addition to working as part of our friendly and supportive team, we offer a wide package of benefits. These include a competitive salary, flexible/hybrid working and generous training and bonus schemes. As an employee owned trust, members of staff enjoy tax breaks on EOT bonuses. You would have ownership of your projects, proportionate to your skills and experience, supported by a talented team of senior and junior members of staff. We also actively offer and encourage training to develop your professional career. HDA is committed to Equal Opportunities for all.

Our beautiful, Grade II listed office is situated next to the River Thames in the grounds of Howbery Park surrounded by picturesque Oxfordshire towns and villages, yet within easy reach of the city of Oxford to the north, and Reading to the south, by car and public transport.

Applicants should demonstrate the following, proportionate to the position being applied for:

• Education to at least BSc level in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience);
• A true passion for wildlife and a good knowledge of British fauna and flora, with ability to carry out and co‑ordinate surveys for a wide range of habitats and species;
• Experience in the preparation of Ecological Impact Assessments for a variety of schemes;
• Excellent report writing and communication skills;
• Experience in the design and implementation of cost and time efficient mitigation strategies;
• Experience in management of a diverse range of projects;
• Thorough knowledge of nature conservation legislation, best practice guidance and understanding of the UK planning system;
• A full driving licence and car ownership;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to inspire and work well alongside colleagues, clients and consultees;
• Ability to confidently advise clients and consultees on a wide range of ecological matters;
• Ability to deliver projects on time and on budget; and
• Hold or qualify for membership of CIEEM (ACIEEM or MCIEEM).

Ideally, the successful candidate will have experience in ecological consultancy, including time at a senior level (for a Senior Ecologist position), and hold at least one licence to survey for European Protected Species. A proven ability to win new clients and develop existing relationships would also be regarded as a distinct advantage.

This is a full‑time position but consideration would also be given to part‑time working for the appropriate candidate.

The closing date for applications is Monday 14 September 2026.