Principal / Associate Ecologist - Launch your own Ecology office

Recruitment Revolution; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent ecology consultancy is seeking a Principal / Associate Ecologist to deliver high-quality ecological consultancy work. This role offers flexible working arrangements, focusing on environmental conservation and project management across various regions in the UK. Ideal candidates possess a strong technical background in ecology, excellent communication skills, and a passion for making a positive impact. The company values diversity and provides a supportive team culture, along with excellent training and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Unlimited annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Paid professional memberships

Apple computer and iPhone provided

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Strong technical experience in habitat and protected species surveys.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
• Experience in EcIA, BNG, or related ecological assessments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and lead ecological consultancy work.
• Manage and deliver projects ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Contribute to business development activities.

Skills

Passion for ecology and environmental conservation

Technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Degree in an ecology-related discipline or equivalent

Survey licence for one protected species

Tools

GIS software (QGIS / ArcGIS)

Job description

The Role at a Glance

• Principal / Associate Ecologist
• UK South East / Midlands
• Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent – Part-time and flexible working considered
• Pedigree: CIEEM Registered Practice. Certified “Great Place to Work
• Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savils, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

Why Join Ecology by Design?

At Ecology by Design, we're not your typical corporate consultancy – and that's exactly the point. We're an independent, people-first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity.

Forget timesheets, clock-watching, and rigid hierarchies. Here, you manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them. We believe happy, trusted people do their best work – so we give you the freedom to shape how you work, not just what you do.

Our offices are dog-friendly (yes, really), relaxed, and full of energy. You'll be surrounded by passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other.

We're an SME with a genuinely awesome team culture – from summer Olympics and Three Peaks challenges to Friday drinks and spontaneous adventures, there's always something happening if you want to get involved.

We're proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from all backgrounds – LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and from a wide mix of cultures and experiences. We see diversity as our collective superpower, and we'll help you use yours to the max.

And if you're someone who loves to explore new ideas – whether it's experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies, or even building a new business from scratch – you'll have our full support. Our trust-first policy means we back innovation, not bureaucracy.

If you're ready to leave behind the corporate red tape and join a consultancy where flexibility, creativity, and people come first – Ecology by Design is the place for you.

Company Values

• We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• We are flexible and innovative, but we don't compromise on quality
• We implement evidence-based, best-practice survey methods and mitigation
• Team members are challenged to grow and develop their talents / expertise

This is more than just a job

It’s a chance to contribute to meaningful environmental change while developing your career in a supportive, flexible, and dynamic workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work – including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, and mitigation design
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South, and Midlands, ensuring high-quality, client-focused outcomes
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards across the team
• Support, mentor, and guide colleagues (depending on experience level)
• Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy

About You – Essential

• A genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation
• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys
• Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g. bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required

Desirable

• Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM, or related ecological assessments
• Experience of mentoring or line management (particularly for Principal-level candidates)
• GIS experience (QGIS / ArcGIS – training available)
• CIEEM membership (or eligibility)
• Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology-related discipline
• Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g. Bat Low Impact, Badger)
• Experience or interest in client development and consultancy growth

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working – a flexible mix of home and office base
• Excellent training and development, including an unlimited external training budget and in-house learning
• Paid professional memberships (e.g. CIEEM)
• Apple computer and iPhone provided
• Generous pension scheme
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance
• A supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued
• A chance to help shape a growing consultancy's culture and direction

Company Culture

We maintain a healthy, team-oriented, supportive culture. Communication is key to all that we do, both with clients and across the company.

We prioritise the health and well-being of our staff. From encouraging people to take appropriate leave throughout projects and having in-house mental health support, keeping our team safe, healthy and feeling valued are all part of our company ethos. Whilst quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting is core to our business, we like to have fun too.

If you're an ecologist looking to progress your career and make a tangible difference – whether stepping into senior responsibility or leading projects at a principal level – we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and join a values-driven consultancy where your work truly matters – to our clients, our communities, and the planet.