Senior Ecologist

Cobalt Recruitment.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle or car allowance

Pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Ongoing training and professional de-

25 days annual leave plus birthday

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is seeking a Senior Ecologist for a growing environmental consultancy to lead protected species surveys and fieldwork across infrastructure, utilities, and development projects. You will act as the technical ecology lead, deliver EcIA/HRA reports, and support project management while mentoring junior ecologists.

The role blends fieldwork with reporting, stakeholder engagement, and career progression in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related environmental discipline.
• Minimum 4 years' ecological consultancy or relevant sector experience.
• Holder of protected species licences, including dormouse and bat licences.
• Full or Associate CIEEM membership, ideally working towards chartership.
• Strong understanding of ecology, environmental legislation, planning processes and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Experience managing surveys, projects and technical report production.
• Competent user of bat analysis software and GIS mapping tools.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing protected species surveys and ecological fieldwork.
• Acting as the technical ecology lead on a variety of projects from inception through to delivery.
• Undertaking UKHab surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, including metric calculations.
• Acting as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) and overseeing environmental compliance on site.
• Producing and reviewing technical reports, including EcIA, HRA and protected species licence applications.
• Supporting project management, programme delivery and commercial performance.
• Mentoring junior ecologists and undertaking technical review of reports and survey outputs.
• Building strong relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders.

Skills

Ecology

Protected species surveys

GIS mapping

Bat analysis software

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Technical reporting

Mentoring juniors

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Ecology

Tools

GIS software

Job description

A growing environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its expanding team. Working across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, utilities, property and development projects, you will play a key role in delivering technical ecological services, managing projects, and supporting the development of junior team members. This role offers a balance of fieldwork, project management, technical reporting and stakeholder engagement, providing excellent opportunities for career progression within a collaborative and supportive environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing protected species surveys and ecological fieldwork.
• Acting as the technical ecology lead on a variety of projects from inception through to delivery.
• Undertaking UKHab surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, including metric calculations.
• Acting as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) and overseeing environmental compliance on site.
• Producing and reviewing technical reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and protected species licence applications.
• Supporting project management, programme delivery and commercial performance.
• Mentoring junior ecologists and undertaking technical review of reports and survey outputs.
• Building strong relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders.

About you

• Degree qualified in Ecology or a related environmental discipline.
• Minimum 4 years' ecological consultancy or relevant sector experience.
• Holder of protected species licences, including dormouse and bat licences.
• Full or Associate CIEEM membership, ideally working towards chartership.
• Strong understanding of ecology, environmental legislation, planning processes and Biodiversity Net Gain .
• Experience managing surveys, projects and technical report production.
• Competent user of bat analysis software and GIS mapping tools.
• Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight stays.

Desirable Experience

• Additional protected species licences (e.g. GCN, reptiles, badger).
• Experience delivering projects within highways, rail or development sectors.
• Experience preparing licence applications and environmental assessments.
• Knowledge of HRA, EcIA and wider environmental reporting processes.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive depending on experience.
• Company vehicle or car allowance.
• Pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Ongoing training and professional development support.
• 25 days annual leave plus birthday leave and bank holidays.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take on greater project responsibility while developing leadership and technical expertise within a growing consultancy. You'll enjoy varied project work, strong support for career development and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to a diverse range of environmental projects.