Senior Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join its growing team. You will lead ecological surveys, manage exciting projects, and mentor junior staff while focusing on biodiversity enhancement. This role offers a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development. Join a consultancy known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in ecological practices.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Private healthcare

Company pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave

Comprehensive training opportunities

Qualifications

• Full or associate membership of CIEEM is required.
• Proven consultancy experience is necessary.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage ecological surveys and assessments.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports.
• Mentor junior ecologists.
• Manage project budgets and timelines.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Ecological consultancy

Education

Degree in ecology, environmental science, or related discipline

Job description

A well-established environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join its friendly and growing ecology team. With a reputation for technical excellence, pragmatic advice, and a people-focused culture, the company delivers innovative environmental solutions to clients across development, infrastructure, and regeneration sectors. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading ecological surveys and assessments, managing a range of exciting projects, and supporting junior team members – all while contributing to biodiversity enhancement and sustainable development across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and deliver a variety of ecological field surveys, assessments, and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, EcIA chapters, and biodiversity net gain assessments.
• Provide expert ecological advice to clients, project managers, and planning teams.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists and field staff.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and stakeholder relationships.
• Contribute to business development, tenders, and proposals.

About You

• A degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline (a postgraduate qualification desirable).
• Full or associate membership of CIEEM.
• Proven consultancy experience delivering ecological projects from inception to completion.
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and biodiversity net gain principles.
• Protected species licences and experience with EPS mitigation projects are advantageous.
• Excellent communication, project management, and teamwork skills.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• A supportive and inclusive culture where collaboration and professional development are encouraged.
• Comprehensive training opportunities and support for professional progression.
• Private healthcare, company pension scheme, and enhanced annual leave.
• The chance to contribute to a consultancy known for its sustainability ethos and commitment to innovation in ecological practice.

Interested in this position? Please apply today or contact Ashleigh Garner from Penguin Recruitment!