Senior Ecologist

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD; Derby; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected ecological consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their Derbyshire office. In this role, you will lead a team of five ecologists and be responsible for delivering high-quality ecological services on diverse projects. Candidates should have at least four years of experience in ecological consultancy, proven technical report writing ability, and strong management skills. The position offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits, promoting professional development and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

28 days holiday plus additional week at Christmas

Christmas bonus

Flexible working environment

Unlimited training budget

Length of Service rewards

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years' professional experience within ecological consultancy or a closely related field.
• Proven capability in producing high-quality technical reports, including BNG assessments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology, wildlife legislation, and planning policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex ecological reports including EIAs and EcIAs.
• Oversee preparation of European Protected Species Mitigation licences.
• Mentor and support junior team members.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

Staff management or mentoring

GIS or mapping software

Education

Associate or Full membership of CIEEM

Tools

GIS

Job description

Overview

Position: Senior Ecologist | Location: Derby | Salary: £40,000 - £45,000

Bennett & Game are pleased to be representing a highly respected ecological consultancy seeking to appoint a Senior Ecologist to join their Derbyshire office. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and mature ecologist to lead and deliver high-quality ecological services, managing a team of five ecologists while working closely with Principals and Associates on a diverse portfolio of projects. The role offers genuine progression within a company that values its people, reflected through a highly impressive and well, structured benefits package.

Senior Ecologist Salary & Benefits

• Salary £40,000 - £45,000
• 28 days per year of holiday plus an additional week of annual leave over Christmas
• Christmas bonus
• A supportive and flexible working environment, including TOIL, extended holidays, and company bank holidays
• A traditional consultancy culture - no HS2 work - with an engaging, collaborative team based in a beautiful rural Derbyshire office
• Competitive remuneration package with paid overtime and a well-structured TOIL system to ensure work-life balance
• Company laptop, iPhone, full PPE and survey kit, plus access to a fleet of company vehicles
• Unlimited training budget with both internal and external CPD opportunities, supported by an experienced management structure and dedicated HR and Health & Safety teams
• Opportunity to contribute to diverse, high-profile ecological projects across the UK
• Length of Service rewards, including private healthcare, additional annual leave up to 5 days, and personalised gifts
• Extensive social calendar
• A genuinely friendly and supportive working culture, where collaboration and personal development are actively encouraged

Senior Ecologist Job Overview

• Lead and deliver a range of complex ecological reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
• Oversee the preparation and submission of European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences and other relevant environmental permits
• Manage the strategic ecological input across a variety of projects, collaborating closely with in-house Landscape, Arboricultural, Drainage, and Heritage consultants
• Undertake and supervise ecological surveys, ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Mentor, support, and develop junior team members while managing a small team within the wider Ecology department
• Contribute to the preparation of fee proposals, tenders, and project quotations
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation, planning policy, and best practice guidance
• Liaise confidently with clients, statutory authorities, and key stakeholders to ensure professional delivery and compliance on all projects

Senior Ecologist Job Requirements

• A minimum of four years\' professional experience within ecological consultancy or a closely related field
• Proven capability in producing high-quality technical reports, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and mitigation licence applications
• Demonstrable experience in project management, with strong client communication and coordination skills
• Experience in staff management or mentoring, with the ability to support and develop junior team members
• Possession of at least one protected species survey licence (e.g., bats, great crested newt, or dormouse)
• Associate or Full membership of CIEEM, or actively working towards this level of professional accreditation
• Proficiency in GIS or other mapping software
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology, wildlife legislation, and planning policy
• Full UK (manual) driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork as required - with access to a fleet of new company vehicles provided

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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