Principal / Associate Ecologist - Launch your own Ecology office

Ecology by Design; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Excellent training and development opportunities

Apple computer and iPhone provided

Dog-friendly offices

Job summary

A values-driven ecology consultancy in Guildford is seeking a Principal or Associate Ecologist to lead ecological consultancy work. The role involves managing projects, fostering client relationships, and mentoring staff while helping to shape a growing consultancy culture. Candidates should have strong expertise in ecological surveys, excellent communication skills, and a genuine passion for environmental conservation. This position offers flexibility with hybrid working and a supportive company culture, aimed at making a positive impact on biodiversity.

Qualifications

• Strong technical experience in ecological surveys.
• Survey licence for protected species or expertise in other ecological fields.
• Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM, or similar assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological consultancy work including habitat and species surveys.
• Manage projects ensuring high-quality client outcomes.
• Mentor and support colleagues in their projects.
• Mentor and guide colleagues, depending on experience.
• Contribute to business development and growth of the consultancy.

Skills

Passion for ecology

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Mentoring

GIS experience

Client development

Driving licence

GIS experience

Education

Degree in ecology-related discipline

CIEEM membership or eligibility

Ecology-related discipline

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Job description

Principal / Associate Ecologist – Launch Your Own Ecology Office

Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology. Join Ecology by Design as a Principal or Associate Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose.

The Role at a Glance

Location: 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?

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.

Our offices are dog‑friendly, relaxed and full of energy. Surround yourself with passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other.

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.

And if you love exploring new ideas – whether it’s experimenting with AI or building a new business from scratch – you’ll have our full support.

We’re your partner that backs innovation, not bureaucracy. If you’re ready to leave behind corporate red tape, join a consultancy where flexibility, creativity, and people come first.

• Drive positive change to how people live with, work in and value the environment
• Have a constant drive for quality and client satisfaction

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, 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

• 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
• 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
• Apple computer and iPhone provided
• 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.

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