Senior Ecologist

Advance Training & Recruitment Services; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing environmental consultancy is looking for a Senior Ecologist to lead biodiversity strategies and habitat management. This full-time role involves working with multi-disciplinary teams on major site operations and ecological assessments. Ideal candidates will have extensive ecological consultancy experience, strong field skills, and relevant qualifications. Join a passionate team and contribute to high-profile projects that make a difference in biodiversity management.

Qualifications

• Proven ecological consultancy experience required.
• Experience with protected species such as bats and badgers.
• Associate or Full member of CIEEM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review habitat management plans.
• Lead ecological assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Supervise Ecological Clerk of Works activities.

Skills

Ecological Consultancy

Botanical Identification

Field Surveys

GIS

Education

Degree in Ecology

Degree in Environmental Science

Tools

QGIS

Job description

Job Title: Senior Ecologist

Type: Permanent, full time

Location: Suffolk

Job Reference: BMECOLOSUFF

Summary

A growing infrastructure and environmental consultancy are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their team on a full-time, permanent basis.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping biodiversity strategies, supporting habitat management, and delivering practical ecological solutions that go beyond reporting.

The successful candidate will act as the primary ecological lead on major site operations, working alongside multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities:

As Senior Ecologist, you’ll be expected to provide expert ecological input across project phases, including:

• Preparing and reviewing habitat management plans.
• Leading on and contributing to ecological assessments (PEA, EcIA), mitigation strategies, and working method statements.
• Planning and undertaking field surveys (Extended Phase 1, UKHab, and protected species).
• Supervising and conducting Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) activities.
• Managing BNG assessments and producing reports to a high standard.
• Analysing survey results and contributing to the interpretation of ecological data.
• Supporting project planning including logistics, desk studies, and risk assessments.
• Using GIS tools such as QGIS for mapping and data analysis.
• Supporting project bids, tenders, and budget tracking.

You will be part of a collaborative, multi-skilled team working across ecology, arboriculture, land access and geospatial disciplines. The ideal candidate will bring a mix of technical expertise, field experience, and a proactive mindset.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven ecological consultancy experience (or equivalent).
• Confident in Phase 1 habitat surveys and botanical identification.
• Experience with a range of protected species (e.g., bats, badger, birds, GCN, otter, water vole).
• Associate or Full member of CIEEM.
• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related subject.
• Protected species class licence
• Named Ecologist or Accredited Agent on EPSL or badger licences.
• Full UK driving licence.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist seeking a high-impact role on a complex, high-profile development. You’ll be supported by a passionate and professional team and have access to a diverse project portfolio.

For more information, please apply or contact Billy Mitchell at Advance TRS.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.