Principal Ecologist (Oxford)

JR United Kingdom; Oxford; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecology consultancy is looking for a Principal Ecologist to join their growing team in Oxford. With a focus on managing projects and guiding junior staff, the position offers the chance to work on diverse ecological challenges. The role supports work-life balance with flexible hours and generous leave. Ideal for experienced candidates eager to shape a dynamic consultancy environment.

Benefits

Apple computer and iPhone

Professional memberships paid

Unlimited training budget

Bonus scheme

Unlimited annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience managing junior team members.
• Survey licences for protected species like bats or newts.
• Experience conducting habitat surveys.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team and oversee ecological projects.
• Conduct habitat and protected species surveys.
• Design and implement mitigation strategies.

Skills

Enthusiasm for Ecology

Team Management

Communication Skills

Mitigation Design

Technical Review

Sales/Business Development

Education

Degree in Ecology or related discipline

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

col-narrow-left

Client:

Ecology by Design

Location:

oxford district, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Views:

3

Posted:

06.06.2025

Expiry Date:

21.07.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Job Title: Principal Ecologist (Oxford)

Salary: Negotiable (Starting at £43,000pa)

Ecology by Design are seeking a principal ecologist to join our team.

Ecology by Design was set up in January 2015 and we have had consistent growth ever since. We strive to employ the best and brightest and reward hard work and dedication. We provide ecology consultancy services to a wide range of clients. We pride ourselves in technical excellence and providing an innovative, pragmatic, client-friendly service. This role would suit an ambitious senior consultant that is looking to move to a growing business, or an experienced principal ecologist looking to diversify their work and help shape a young and thriving consultancy.

We are a thriving young business and we seek people who are keen to push boundaries in ecology, strive for excellence and are excited by being part of a young business. This role would be perfect for a well-rounded consultant who wants to manage a growing team, ensuring we maintain our quality, culture and performance. The project-based nature of our work means the candidate must be willing to undertake travel and work away from home with occasional overnight stays, however, we work hard to ensure our team members achieve a work-life balance and meet their personal and career objectives so have caps on the numbers of nights away or antisocial hours worked.

We work across the UK with the majority of our projects across the Home Counties, South and Midlands.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Genuine and demonstrable enthusiasm for ecology and the environment;
• Experience of line managing or providing guidance to junior members of an ecology team;
• Survey licence for one or more protected species e.g. bats/ newts or a demonstrable specialist in other taxa (botany, inverts);
• Experience of habitat surveys (Phase 1 or NVC/UK Habitats) and/or protected species surveys;
• Experience of designing and implementing mitigation;
• Experience of providing technical review of ecological reports;
• Motivated to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Good communication skills with colleagues, clients and third parties;
• Full or chartered member of CIEEM (or eligible if not currently held); and
• Full driving licence and use of a car.
• Experience of sales/ business development, or willingness to learn;
• Experience of EcIA, BREEAM or biodiversity net gain;
• Advanced skills in one or more specialist ecological area e.g. bats;
• Demonstrable enthusiasm/ skills in one or more specialist ecological area e.g. bats, newts, botany;
• Degree or equivalent in an ecology related discipline;
• Experience of using QGIS or ArcGIS (training provided if not);
• Have held European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences for protected species e.g. great crested newt or bats; and
• Hold specialist mitigation class licences such as Bat Low Impact Class licence or Badger class licence.

Working for Ecology by Design

We offer:

• Apple computer and iPhone;
• Professional memberships paid for;
• In-house training and unlimited external training budget;
• Colleague awarded bonus scheme;
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible approach to work time, balancing a healthy work life balance.

New perks added frequently, reflecting being part of an exciting and innovative young business.

The candidate must live within commuting distance to Chalgrove, Oxfordshire or be willing to relocate. However many of our staff mix working from home and the office on a flexible basis.

Being part of an ambitious company offers excellent opportunities to be a part of a growing SME with clear strategic direction and opportunities to grow with the business.

Interested?

In the first instance please send your CV and covering letter to [emailprotected] including the location you are based and your salary expectation.

This is an open-ended advertisement, so we reserve the right to close to new applications at any time. We aim to have the new position filled during Summer 2025. However, we are always open to stand out candidates at any time of year.

Take a look at a short video of what it is like to work with us: https://www.ecologybydesign.co.uk/careers