Senior Ecologist

Reed Specialist Recruitment; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Senior Ecologist in the Derby area. The position requires at least 4 years of ecological consultancy experience. You will lead complex reports, manage projects, and mentor junior staff while working on high-profile ecological services projects. The role includes benefits like flexible working and ongoing training opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working

Extended holiday

Private healthcare

Ongoing training opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years' professional experience in ecological consultancy or a related field.
• Proven ability in technical report writing and mitigation licensing.
• Strong knowledge of UK legislation and planning policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex ecological reports, including EIA and EcIA.
• Manage strategic ecological input on diverse projects.
• Mentor and support junior staff within the Ecology department.

Skills

Technical report writing

Client liaison

Project management

Knowledge of UK ecology

Education

Associate or Full membership of CIEEM

Tools

Protected species survey licence

Job description

Overview

Senior Ecologist

Location: Derby; Job Type: 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.