Senior Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing ecological consultancy in the East of England is seeking an experienced ecologist to lead and design ecological surveys for major development projects. The role involves producing various technical reports and developing mitigation strategies. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Ecology or a related field and experience in ecological licensing. This position offers flexible working arrangements and several employee benefits.

Benefits

24-25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in designing ecological surveys.
• Experience in protected species licensing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design protected species surveys.
• Produce technical ecological reports.
• Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Develop mitigation strategies and obtain licences.
• Assist in preparing tenders and fee proposals.

Skills

Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification

Experience in ecological surveys

Strong communication skills

Time management skills

Education

Degree (BSc or MSc) in Ecology or a related field

Job description

An opportunity is available for an experienced ecologist to join a growing team in the East of England. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering ecological services for major development projects, from fieldwork through to planning support and mitigation. The company values work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements, including Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) for fieldwork.

Benefits

• 24-25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 extra holiday days
• Company pension scheme
• Share Incentive Scheme
• Life assurance
• Group disability cover
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Health screening and dental care options
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to discounts via BenefitHub
• Car allowance (for applicable roles)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and design a variety of protected species surveys for major infrastructure and development schemes in the East of England
• Produce technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports, Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs), and Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
• Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, including baseline habitat surveys, habitat condition assessments, Biodiversity Metric calculations, and reporting for planning applications
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies, including obtaining protected species licences (e.g. for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and water voles)
• Assist in the preparation of tenders and fee proposals
• Provide mentoring and support to junior team members, encouraging professional development and hands‑on learning

The ideal candidate will have

• Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments
• Proven experience in designing and delivering a wide range of ecological surveys and interpreting findings for planning and mitigation
• Experience in protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) responsibilities
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work independently when required
• Strong communication and time management skills
• A full UK driving licence with business insurance and a willingness to travel throughout the region (occasional overnight stays may be necessary)

Ideal Qualifications & Certifications

• Degree (BSc or MSc) in Ecology or a related field
• Eligibility for, or current membership of, the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• A protected species survey licence (e.g. for great crested newts or bats is highly desirable)
• Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 4 is desirable but not essential

Interested in this role? Apply today or feel free to ring Ashleigh Garner at Penguin Recruitment for a confidential chat.