Ecologist to Senior Ecologist

Cobalt Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle or car allowance

Remote/hybrid working

Training & professional development

25 days annual leave + holidays

Career progression

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is seeking an Ecologist to Senior Ecologist to join a growing environmental consultancy delivering projects across the infrastructure, utilities and development sectors in Greater London. The role blends fieldwork, reporting, and client interaction, with hybrid working options and clear opportunities for career progression.

You will undertake protected species and habitat surveys, deliver UKHab and BNG assessments, act as ECoW, manage projects, prepare reports and mentor

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related environmental discipline.
• 2+ years' experience for Ecologist; 4+ years consultancy for Senior Ecologist.
• Experience delivering protected species surveys, habitat surveys and ecological reporting.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking protected species and habitat surveys.
• Delivering UKHab surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
• Acting as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) on site.
• Managing ecological projects from survey to delivery.
• Preparing and reviewing technical reports (PEAs, EcIAs, HRA screening, licences).
• Mentoring junior ecologists and providing technical guidance.
• Building strong client relationships and supporting tender submissions.
• Producing habitat maps and GIS analyses.
• Travel and on-site client liaison as required.

Skills

Project management

GIS

Report writing

Protected species surveys

Stakeholder management

Communication

Mentoring junior ecologists

Driving licence

Client liaison

Education

Degree in Ecology or related environmental discipline

Tools

QGIS

UKHab

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Ecologist to Senior Ecologist to join a growing environmental consultancy delivering projects across the infrastructure, utilities and development sectors.

Whether you're looking to take the next step in your ecology career or you're already operating at Senior level, you'll join a collaborative team working on a varied portfolio of projects with excellent opportunities for technical development, project responsibility and long-term career progression.

This role offers a blend of fieldwork, technical reporting, project management and client interaction, with flexibility to work remotely/hybrid, on-site and alongside experienced ecological specialists.

The Role

Depending on your level of experience, you'll be responsible for:

• Undertaking protected species and habitat surveys.
• Delivering UKHab surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, including metric calculations.
• Acting as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) and supporting environmental compliance on site.
• Managing ecological projects from survey through to delivery.
• Preparing and reviewing technical reports including PEAs, EcIAs, HRA screening, protected species licence applications and habitat assessments.
• Supporting project management, programme delivery and commercial performance.
• Producing habitat maps and spatial analysis using GIS software.
• Building strong relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders.
• Supporting tender submissions and project proposals.
• Mentoring junior ecologists and providing technical guidance (Senior level).

About You

We're keen to hear from candidates with:

• A degree in Ecology or a related environmental discipline.
• 2+ years' experience for Ecologist level or 4+ years' consultancy experience for Senior Ecologist.
• Experience delivering protected species surveys, habitat surveys and ecological reporting.
• Good knowledge of UKHab, Biodiversity Net Gain and UK ecological legislation.
• Experience acting as an ECoW and delivering site-based work.
• Membership of CIEEM (or working towards).
• At least one protected species licence or working towards (bat, dormouse or similar desirable), with additional licences advantageous for Senior level.
• Experience using GIS software such as QGIS.
• Excellent organisational, communication and project management skills.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight stays.
• Ecological consultancy experience across infrastructure, highways, rail, utilities or property projects.
• Experience preparing EcIAs, HRAs and protected species licence applications.
• Strong understanding of planning processes and environmental legislation.
• Experience liaising with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Knowledge of digital data collection tools and bat analysis software.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Company vehicle or car allowance.
• Remote and hybrid working arrangements.
• Ongoing training, mentoring and professional development.
• Support towards protected species licences and CIEEM progression.
• 25 days annual leave, plus birthday leave and bank holidays.
• Clear opportunities for career progression.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking consultancy that genuinely invests in its people. You'll work on a diverse range of high-profile projects, gain exposure to all stages of project delivery and have the support to progress your career—whether you're looking to develop into a Senior Ecologist or further enhance your technical and leadership experience.