Senior Ecologist

Essex Wildlife Trust; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in Colchester is seeking a Senior Ecologist. This role involves managing ecological surveys, leading projects, and mentoring junior staff. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of ecological experience and a full driving licence. The position supports biodiversity efforts and offers a flexible hybrid working environment. With a competitive salary of £36,000 per annum, this is an excellent opportunity to grow in your ecological career.

Benefits

Flexible homeworking arrangements

Qualifications

• 7+ years of ecological experience in consultancy or conservation.
• Proven ability to manage clients effectively.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological surveys and lead projects.
• Provide expert advice to clients and mentor junior staff.
• Support biodiversity monitoring and nature recovery.

Skills

Ecological management

Client relationship management

Ecological assessments

Team leadership

Biodiversity monitoring

Job description

Senior Ecologist

Closing date: Monday 26 January 2026

Salary: £36,000 Per Annum

Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time

Location: Abbotts Hall , Maldon Road, Great Wigborough, Colchester, CO5 7RZ

We are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our growing ecology team. You will play a key role in managing ecological surveys, leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and providing expert advice to clients. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress their career within a supportive and forward‑thinking consultancy.

Essex Ecology is the Trust’s ecology consultancy. A commercial subsidiary, it provides essential income for the Trust and helps achieve our mission for a wilder Essex. We are an organisation going through a period of exciting growth.

As part of Essex Ecology, the ecological consultancy of Essex Wildlife Trust, the Senior Ecologist will play a vital role in supporting biodiversity monitoring, ecological assessments, and nature recovery delivery across Essex. You will contribute to our consultancy’s commercial success by delivering high‑quality ecological services, while supporting our parent charity’s conservation objectives.

In addition to fieldwork and advisory responsibilities, this role requires excellent management of client relationships, report delivery and administrative follow‑up, with the support of a dedicated administrator. The post‑holder will be expected to manage their workflow with efficiency, respond promptly to customer queries, and uphold high standards in all written outputs and project documentation.

This role would suit someone with 7+ years of ecological experience (consultancy or conservation), with proven ability to manage clients. This role requires a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

This role is a permanent position. The hours of work are 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm) with a starting salary of £36,000 per annum. The base of work is Abbotts Hall, Great Wigborough. Essex Wildlife Trust offers flexible homeworking arrangements. Further details of the hybrid‑working arrangements will be shared at interview.

Please complete an online application form on our website by 9am on Monday 26 January 2026. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11 February at Abbotts Hall. If you would like an informal chat about the role, please feel free to contact [e-mail]