Senior Ecologist

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Senior / Principal Ecologist to manage diverse ecology projects. The role includes project leadership, technical report writing, and mentoring juniors, perfect for those looking to step into a leadership position while staying involved in project delivery. Competitive salary and flexible hybrid working options available.

Benefits

24 days holiday plus bank holidays

5% employer pension contribution

Paid professional subscription

Access to company fleet vehicles

Cycle to Work Scheme

Eyecare scheme

Regular staff events

Volunteering day per year

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' consultancy experience required.
• Understanding of UK wildlife legislation essential.
• Experience preparing EPSL documents and EcIAs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple ecology projects from start to finish.
• Conduct habitat and protected species surveys.
• Mentor junior ecologists and ensure compliance with health and safety.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Biodiversity Assessment

Technical Report Writing

Education

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related subject

Full Membership of CIEEM

Tools

GIS

Job description

Bennett and Game are currently looking for a Senior / Principal Ecologist on behalf of a leading Manchester based environmental consultancy delivering ecology, arboriculture, and green infrastructure services across residential, commercial, infrastructure, and education projects.

This role will suit an experienced consultant with strong technical knowledge, proven field expertise, and a confident approach to project and team leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the full ecology workstream across a varied portfolio, from protected species surveys through to licence applications, client delivery, and mentoring junior staff.

With a supportive, multi-disciplinary structure and a focus on sustainable, deliverable solutions, this is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into a leadership role while staying hands-on with ecology delivery.

Senior / Principal Ecologist Position Overview

• Lead and manage multiple ecology projects from inception through to final delivery
• Conduct site-based habitat and protected species surveys, with particular emphasis on bats, GCN, and Phase 1/UKHab
• Take ownership of technical report writing, EcIA delivery, EPS licensing, and biodiversity net gain assessments
• Mentor and support junior ecologists, offering guidance, technical checks, and development planning
• Act as point of contact for clients, consultants, and planning authorities
• Oversee health and safety compliance, fieldwork logistics, and seasonal team resourcing
• Play a key role in team development and supporting the wider ecology business plan

Senior / Principal Ecologist Position Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related subject
• Minimum 3-5 years' consultancy experience
• Full Member of CIEEM (essential)
• Deep understanding of UK/EC wildlife legislation and planning policy
• Demonstrable project management skills, including commercial oversight and delivery against deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing EPSL documents, BNG assessments, and EcIAs
• Licences for bats and/or great crested newts (desirable)
• HRA, GIS capability, or FISC Level 3+ qualifications are advantageous
• Full UK driving licence

Senior / Principal Ecologist Salary and Benefits

• Salary range: 40,000 - 45,000, dependent on experience and licensing
• 24 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 30 with long service
• Hybrid working - flexible arrangements dependent on project demands
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Paid professional subscription (1 per year)
• Access to company fleet vehicles for site travel
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Techscheme
• Eyecare scheme
• Season ticket cash advance available
• 1 volunteering day per year
• Regular staff events and a collaborative, low-hierarchy team culture

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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