Senior Ecologist

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

Job summary

A respected ecological consultancy in Derby is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead complex ecological projects. The role involves managing a team of ecologists and producing high-quality reports. The company offers a competitive salary, extensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus additional Christmas leave

Christmas bonus

Flexible working environment

Unlimited training budget

Private healthcare

Qualifications

• Minimum four years' experience in ecological consultancy.
• Ability to produce high-quality technical reports.
• Experience in staff management or mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecological reports and assessments.
• Manage strategic ecological input across projects.
• Mentor and support junior team members.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

Staff mentoring

Technical report writing

GIS proficiency

Education

Professional accreditation (CIEEM)

Tools

GIS software

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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