Senior Ecologist

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Derby; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist in Derby to lead ecological projects and deliver high-quality reports. Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience in ecological consultancy, strong project management skills, and expertise in UK wildlife legislation. This role offers a supportive working environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

TOIL (Time Off In Lieu)

Extended holiday

Private healthcare

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years' professional experience in ecological consultancy or a related field.
• Hold at least one protected species survey licence.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European wildlife legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex ecological reports.
• Support and manage development of permits.
• Mentor and support junior staff.

Skills

Ecological consultancy

Technical report writing

Project management

Client liaison

Knowledge of UK ecology

Education

Associate or Full membership of CIEEM

Job description

Overview

Senior Ecologist – Derby – Full-time

We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Ecologist to join our client in the Derby area. This is an exciting opportunity for an ecologist with at least 4 years of professional experience to take a leading role in delivering high-quality ecological services across a range of projects. You will be involved in all aspects of project delivery, from initial scoping and fieldwork through to complex report writing and client liaison.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex ecological reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
• Support and manage the development and submission of European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences and other relevant permits.
• Manage strategic ecological input on a range of projects, including multi-disciplinary schemes alongside our in-house team of Landscape architects, Arboricultural, Drainage, and Heritage consultants.
• Undertake and oversee ecological surveys, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Mentor and support junior staff, leading a small team of consultants within the wider Ecology department.
• Contribute to quoting, tendering, and proposal writing.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of UK and European wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Liaise with clients, statutory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure high standards of service and compliance.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years' professional experience in ecological consultancy or a related field.
• Proven ability in technical report writing, including BNG and mitigation licensing.
• Demonstrated project management experience, with a focus on client liaison.
• Hold at least one protected species survey licence (e.g., bat, great crested newt, dormouse).
• Associate or Full membership of CIEEM - or working towards this.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecology, legislation, and planning policy.

Benefits

• A supportive and flexible working environment, including TOIL, extended holiday, and company bank holidays.
• Ongoing training and CPD opportunities with a strong existing management structure to support career development.
• A chance to contribute meaningfully to diverse, high-profile projects.
• Length of service reward package including private healthcare, additional leave, and personalised gifts.
• A welcoming office in a stunning rural location in the Derbyshire countryside.

To apply for this Senior Ecologist position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.