Senior Ecologist

Cobalt Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working in London

Training and career progression

Volunteer days

Health and lifestyle benefits

Pension

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its London team. You will lead ecology projects from inception to completion, working with clients and multidisciplinary teams, with a strong focus on BNG and biodiversity outcomes.

You will mentor junior ecologists, undertake PEAs and protected species surveys, and contribute to high-quality technical reports while advancing planning-stage ecological input.

Qualifications

• Strong UK consultancy experience preferable.
• Knowledge of BNG, UKHab and Statutory Biodiversity Metric is ideal.
• Excellent report writing and client communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead PEAs, BNG Assessments, BREEAM Ecology and protected species work.
• Undertake UKHab, habitat, bat and protected species surveys.
• Perform BNG calculations using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
• Produce habitat and BNG mapping using QGIS.
• Prepare and review technical ecological reports.
• Provide ecological advice throughout the planning process.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists.

Skills

Project management

Client-facing

Mentoring

Tools

QGIS

UKHab

Job description

Are you an experienced Ecologist ready to take on more project responsibility, mentor junior colleagues and work on exciting development projects with a strong focus on BNG and nature-positive outcomes?

We’re working with a growing multidisciplinary environmental and sustainability consultancy looking for a Senior Ecologist to join its collaborative London team.

The Role

You’ll lead ecology and biodiversity projects from inception to completion, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams. Responsibilities will include:

• Leading PEAs, BNG Assessments, BREEAM Ecology and protected species work
• Undertaking UKHab, habitat, bat and protected species surveys
• Completing BNG calculations using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
• Producing habitat and BNG mapping using QGIS
• Preparing and reviewing technical reports
• Providing ecological advice to clients throughout the planning process
• Mentoring and supporting junior Ecologists

About You

You’ll ideally have strong UK consultancy experience alongside knowledge of BNG, UKHab and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, with experience undertaking PEAs and protected species surveys. Strong QGIS, report writing, project management and client-facing skills are desirable.

Experience with BREEAM Ecology, EcIA or HRA and protected species licences would be advantageous.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive salary + potential bonus
• Hybrid working in London
• 23 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• Enhanced pension and family policies
• Excellent training and career progression
• Two volunteering days per year
• Opportunity to work abroad for a set period each year
• Health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits
• Regular team socials

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking consultancy where BNG, biodiversity enhancement and professional development are genuinely valued.