Senior Ecologist

PEBBLE RECRUITMENT LTD; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

TOIL

Progression

Generous holiday package

Pension scheme

Ongoing professional development

Clear progression opportunities

Supportive and collaborative team

Job summary

PEBBLE RECRUITMENT LTD is seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join the Milton Keynes team. You will lead a broad range of ecological projects, manage client relationships and mentor junior colleagues.

The role offers hybrid working, a clear progression path, and a supportive, forward-thinking consultancy culture with strong technical backing.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or related subject.
• Experience in UK ecology consultancy.
• Experience managing ecology projects, budgets and deadlines.
• Confident producing and/or reviewing technical ecology reports.
• Good knowledge of UK protected species legislation and the planning system.
• Experience with PEAs, EcIAs, protected species surveys and mitigation.
• BNG, UKHab and habitat condition assessment experience would be beneficial.
• Protected species licences, such as bat or GCN, desirable but not essential.
• CIEEM membership, or working towards this, advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Managing and delivering ecology projects from inception through to completion across Milton Keynes and the South East.
• Undertaking and coordinating protected species and habitat surveys.
• Preparing and reviewing technical reports, including PEAs, EcIAs, protected species reports and mitigation strategies.
• Supporting clients through the planning and development process throughout Milton Keynes and the South East.
• Managing project budgets, deadlines and workloads.
• Liaising with clients, stakeholders, contractors and internal teams.
• Supporting junior members of the ecology team through mentoring and technical guidance.
• Providing input into BNG, UKHab surveys, habitat assessments and ecological mitigation.
• Assisting with business development and work-winning where appropriate.

Skills

Project management

Technical reporting

Client liaison

Mentoring team

Budget management

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

PEAs

EcIAs

Habitat surveys

Job description

Senior Ecologist

(or Principal Ecologist)

Location: Milton Keynes

Salary: £33,000 - £50,000 DOE

Benefits: Hybrid Working + Flexible Hours + TOIL + Progression + Generous Holiday Package + Professional Development

We are working with a respected and growing UK consultancy that is looking to appoint a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join their Milton Keynes team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecology consultant who is looking for a role with genuine progression, a varied project portfolio and the chance to take on more technical, project management and client-facing responsibility.

The company works across a wide range of ecology, planning, infrastructure, development and environmental projects, offering strong technical support, flexible working and a positive team culture.

The Role:

As a Senior / Principal Ecologist, you will be involved in the delivery of a broad range of ecological projects across Milton Keynes and the South East.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and delivering ecology projects from inception through to completion across Milton Keynes and the South East
• Undertaking and coordinating protected species and habitat surveys
• Preparing and reviewing technical reports, including PEAs, EcIAs, protected species reports and mitigation strategies
• Supporting clients through the planning and development process throughout Milton Keynes and the South East
• Managing project budgets, deadlines and workloads
• Liaising with clients, stakeholders, contractors and internal teams
• Supporting junior members of the ecology team through mentoring and technical guidance
• Providing input into BNG, UKHab surveys, habitat assessments and ecological mitigation
• Assisting with business development and work-winning where appropriate

Ideal Candidate:

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or a related subject
• Strong experience within a UK ecology consultancy
• Experience managing ecology projects, budgets and deadlines
• Confident producing and/or reviewing technical ecology reports
• Good knowledge of UK protected species legislation and the planning system
• Experience with PEAs, EcIAs, protected species surveys and mitigation
• BNG, UKHab and habitat condition assessment experience would be beneficial
• Protected species licences, such as bat or GCN, would be desirable but are not essential
• CIEEM membership, or working towards this, would be advantageous
• Full UK driving licence

This role would suit an experienced Senior Ecologist looking to progress, or an established Principal Ecologist seeking a new opportunity with a supportive and forward-thinking consultancy.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary of £38,000 - £55,000 DOE
• Hybrid working
• Flexible working hours
• TOIL
• Generous holiday package
• Pension scheme
• Ongoing professional development
• Clear progression opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Varied and high-quality project work