Senior Ecologist

APEM; Banbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

APEM is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their Aspect Ecology team in Oxfordshire. This role involves leading ecological surveys, managing projects, and mentoring junior staff, all while contributing to impactful environmental projects across various sectors. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in ecological consultancy and a strong commitment to biodiversity.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Access to mental health first aiders

Comprehensive income protection

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of professional ecological consultancy experience.
• Full or Associate membership of CIEEM or eligibility.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecological surveys including UKHab and protected species work.
• Prepare high-quality reports including PEAs, EcIAs, and BNG assessments.
• Mentor junior staff and manage multiple projects.

Skills

Botanical identification

Faunal identification

Project management

Client liaison

Report writing

Education

Relevant degree

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

GIS (e.g. QGIS)

Job description

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About The Role

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to take on more responsibility, lead surveys and projects, and mentor the next generation of consultants? Do you thrive on delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced consultancy environment? Are you looking to shape projects that make a genuine difference for biodiversity and development?

We are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our growing Aspect Ecology team in Oxfordshire. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a wide range of sectors-including housing, renewables, retail and infrastructure-on projects that require your technical knowledge, project management and that will build your client engagement skills.

In this role, you'll take the lead on complex ecological surveys, including UKHab and protected species work, and prepare high-quality reports including PEAs, EcIAs and BNG assessments. You'll manage multiple projects of varying sizes, liaise directly with clients, mentor junior staff, and contribute to tenders and licences. You'll also work closely with colleagues across APEM Group, offering opportunities to broaden your skills and networks.

To be successful in this role, you'll need:

• At least 3 years of professional ecological consultancy (or similar sector) experience
• A relevant degree (and ideally a postgraduate qualification)
• Strong botanical and faunal ID skills
• Proven experience designing and conducting habitat and protected species surveys
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy
• Excellent report writing, project management, and client liaison skills
• Full or Associate membership of CIEEM (or eligibility for it)
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel (including some overnight stays)

It'd be great if you also have:

• One or more protected species survey licences
• Experience with development licence applications and mitigation design
• Familiarity with GIS (e.g. QGIS)
• Knowledge of NVC or Modular River Survey (MoRPh) methodologies
• A track record in mentoring or leading junior staff

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can't tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area - we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy, we work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working towards the protection of the environment across the globe.