Senior Ecologist

APEM; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist in Cardiff, UK. The role encompasses leading protected species and habitat surveys, mentoring junior staff, and engaging with clients. Successful candidates will have at least 3 years of ecology experience and relevant professional qualifications. This is an excellent opportunity for growth within a supportive and flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in ecology, combining fieldwork and consultancy.
• Experience leading protected species surveys.
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver protected species and habitat surveys.
• Mentor junior colleagues effectively.
• Work closely with clients to deliver ecological insights.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Phase 1 / UKHab habitat surveys

Project management skills

Client liaison skills

Protected species survey licence

Education

Full or Associate CIEEM membership

Bachelor's degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

QGIS

Bat data analysis software (e.g. Kaleidoscope)

Job description

About The Role

Are you an experienced ecologist who enjoys variety and wants to maintain a broad, well-rounded ecology skillset? Do you thrive on fieldwork but also enjoy seeing your survey results come to life through reporting and client delivery? Are you looking for a supportive environment where you can carve out a specialism if there’s a species or habitat that particularly inspires you?

Due to recent promotion, we’re looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our Terrestrial Ecology team, working across South Wales, Herefordshire, and the Bristol area. You’ll be part of a growing team of skilled all-rounders who deliver diverse projects across development, infrastructure, and conservation. With around 60% of your time in the field and 40% on desk-based analysis and reporting (averaged across the year), this role is perfect for someone who enjoys getting outdoors while still building strong consultancy and project management experience.

You’ll lead and deliver protected species and habitat surveys, mentor junior colleagues, and work closely with clients to ensure our ecological insights make a real difference. Whether you’re an Assistant Ecologist looking to take on more responsibility and work with dedicated ecologists or a Senior Ecologist looking for a new challenge with autonomy you’ll find plenty of opportunity to grow your skills and influence here.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need

• At least 3 years experience working in ecology (comprised of fieldwork and consultancy)
• Experience carrying out Phase 1 / UKHab habitat surveys and inputting into Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and EcIAs
• Experience leading protected species surveys (e.g. dormouse, bats, GCN, reptiles, otter, water vole, birds)
• Good project management and client liaison skills
• Full or Associate CIEEM membership (or eligibility to obtain)
• At least one protected species survey licence (or equivalent ecological specialism, e.g. botanist FISC Level 4+)
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, with some overnight stays

It would be amazing if you had:

• Experience with QGIS or bat data analysis software (e.g. Kaleidoscope)
• HRA or EIA experience
• Additional protected species licences (e.g. Level 2 Bat or Dormouse)
• Experience mentoring or developing junior ecologists

At APEM, you’ll join a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where technical quality, flexibility and wellbeing go hand in hand. You’ll be supported by an experienced team and encouraged to develop your own areas of expertise while working on varied and meaningful ecological projects.

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.