Senior Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist. This role involves leading ecological surveys, managing projects, and liaising with clients and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Ecology, experience in consultancy, and knowledge of UK wildlife legislation. The position offers a salary of £30,000 - £40,000 and flexible hybrid working options.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working options

Structured career development

Collaborative team culture

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in ecological consultancy.
• Protected species licence(s) desirable (e.g. bat, GCN).
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel for fieldwork.
• Membership (or eligibility) of CIEEM.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and manage ecological surveys and assessments.
• Produce and review detailed ecological reports.
• Provide clear ecological advice to clients.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists.
• Liaise with stakeholders and regulators.

Skills

Ecological survey delivery

Project management

Client liaison

UK wildlife legislation knowledge

Good communication skills

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Job description

Senior Ecologist - [Location Flexible / Hybrid Working]

Permanent | Full-time | £30,000 - £40,000 DOE

Our client, a respected and forward-thinking environmental consultancy, is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering a wide variety of ecological projects across the UK, working with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practice.

About the Role

The successful candidate will take a leading role in ecological survey delivery, project management, and client liaison. You'll be involved in everything from habitat and protected species assessments to advising on mitigation and enhancement strategies for complex infrastructure and development schemes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and manage ecological surveys and assessments (Phase 1/UKHab, protected species, habitat, and impact assessments).
• Produce and review detailed ecological reports and impact assessments.
• Provide clear ecological advice to clients, helping projects achieve regulatory compliance.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists within the team.
• Liaise with stakeholders, regulators, and planning authorities to facilitate smooth project delivery.

About You

• Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related subject.
• Demonstrable experience in ecological consultancy, including project management.
• Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Protected species licence(s) desirable (e.g. bat, GCN).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel for fieldwork.
• Membership (or eligibility) of CIEEM.

What's on Offer

• Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 (dependent on experience).
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Structured career development and professional support.
• Collaborative, supportive team culture.
• The opportunity to work on diverse and meaningful ecological projects nationwide.

If you're an experienced Ecologist ready to step into a senior role where you can lead projects, develop your career, and make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact us for more information about this Senior Ecologist opportunity with our client.