Senior Ecologist

HCUK Group; England; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

HCUK Group is looking for a Senior Ecologist to join their remote team, focusing on project management and fieldwork across diverse ecological projects. This role offers career growth opportunities in a multidisciplinary consultancy and involves leading ecological assessments while ensuring compliance with UK legislation.

Benefits

Opportunity to develop within a growing area of the business.

Competitive salary based on experience.

Full-time remote working with site visits as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field; full CIEEM membership.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a consultancy setting.
• Level 2 Licensed Bat Ecologist preferred; commitment to upgrade acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ecological assessments, habitat surveys, and impact assessments.
• Produce high-quality reports in line with CIEEM guidelines.
• Conduct and oversee field surveys, including protected species and bat surveys.

Skills

Ecological survey techniques

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in Ecology

Full CIEEM membership

Job description

HCUK Group is seeking a Senior Ecologist, ideally based in the south-east UK, to join our team and expand our ecological consultancy services within a multidisciplinary environmental practice.

This role involves a mix of project management and fieldwork to serve clients navigating planning and development processes. The position is suitable for someone with experience managing ecology projects via subcontractors and capable of conducting fieldwork such as habitat classification, protected species surveys, and bat assessments. Responsibilities include producing ecological reports, undertaking BNG assessments, and managing project delivery.

We offer a diverse portfolio of projects, including work related to historic buildings, landscape, planning, archaeology, and sectors like residential, commercial, and renewables. The role provides opportunities for career growth within a well-regarded consultancy in a supportive environment.

The position is fully home-based, with site visits and meetings as needed. Projects are nationwide, primarily in London, the south, and midlands regions. The company does not have a physical office but holds quarterly meetings and social events in London.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead and manage ecological assessments, habitat surveys, and impact assessments.
2. Conduct and oversee field surveys, including protected species and bat surveys.
3. Produce high-quality reports in line with CIEEM guidelines, including PEA, EcIA, mitigation, and BNG.
4. Ensure project compliance with legislation and planning policies.
5. Develop and maintain relationships with ecological subcontractors.
6. Provide ecological advice to clients and maintain client relationships.
7. Participate in tendering, business development, and marketing activities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field; full CIEEM membership.
• Level 2 Licensed Bat Ecologist preferred; Level 1 with commitment to upgrade acceptable.
• Proficiency in ecological survey techniques, data analysis, and report writing.
• Understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning regulations.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a consultancy setting.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience as an Accredited Agent or Ecologist on bat licences.
• Strong network of ecology contacts.
• Specialism in botany and GIS skills are advantageous.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with proactive workload management.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to develop within a growing area of the business.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Full-time remote working with site visits as needed.

HCUK Group is an equal opportunities employer.