Senior Ecologist

Talent Finder; Newtimber; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy near Brighton is seeking a confident Senior Ecologist to join their friendly team. This role offers a mix of office, site, and home-working days with a competitive salary range of £35,000–£45,000 based on experience. Candidates should have strong botanical identification skills, relevant degrees, and be flexible for travel. The position includes opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary (£35k–£45k, DOE)

Private medical insurance

Contributory pension

31 days of annual leave, including bank holidays

Payment of CIEEM membership/professional subscriptions

Established TOIL system for survey work

Qualifications

• A solid working knowledge of UK ecological legislation.
• Experience delivering high-quality ecological reports.
• Membership or Chartership with CIEEM (non-negotiable).

Responsibilities

• Leading ecological surveys, including botanical and protected species work.
• Producing high-quality ecological reports, mitigation plans, and recommendations.
• Managing your own portfolio of projects and ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.

Skills

Strong botanical ID skills (minimum FISC Level 3)

Ability to communicate clearly with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders

Natural England survey licence(s) for at least one protected species/group

Flexibility for travel and occasional overnight stays

Education

Relevant degree (BSc/MSc preferred)

Tools

GIS experience (ArcGIS)

Job description

Senior Ecologist | 10 mins from Brighton (Hybrid) | Full Time (Flexible/Hybrid) | £35,000–£45,000 DOE

Join a friendly, professional, and growing team of around 20 people in a relaxed, supportive environment. Based in the stunning South Downs, you’ll enjoy a diverse and autonomous workload alongside excellent opportunities for career development.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary (£35k–£45k, DOE) + starting bonus for direct applicants
• Flexible and hybrid working (typically 1–2 WFH days/week, 1‑2 on‑site, 1‑2 in the office)
• Established TOIL system for evening/night survey work
• Private medical insurance
• Contributory pension
• Payment of CIEEM membership/professional subscriptions + professional development budget
• 31 days of annual leave, including bank holidays, plus your birthday off
• Access to a car club / daily rental account
• Travel expenses covered
• A friendly, collaborative culture where your wellbeing is prioritised
• A varied workload across residential, commercial, education, renewable energy, transport and planning sectors

Are you the right person for the job?

We’re seeking a well‑rounded, confident Senior Ecologist who can work with a high level of independence and produce excellent technical outputs with minimal supervision.

You must have:

• A relevant degree (BSc/MSc preferred – lived experience considered)
• Strong botanical ID skills (minimum FISC Level 3)
• A solid working knowledge of UK ecological legislation
• Experience delivering high‑quality ecological reports
• Natural England survey licence(s) for at least one protected species/group
• Membership or Chartership with CIEEM (non‑negotiable)
• Full UK driving licence and use of your own vehicle (hire available if needed)
• Flexibility for travel and occasional overnight stays
• Ability to communicate clearly with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders

Highly desirable:

• EPSM licence experience or experience drafting EPSM applications
• EcIA/HRA contributions
• GIS experience (ArcGIS)

What will your role look like?

This is a mixed, varied role combining technical fieldwork, ecological appraisal, reporting, and client engagement. Typical responsibilities include:

• Leading ecological surveys, including botanical and protected species work
• Managing and delivering preliminary ecological appraisals end‑to‑end
• Producing high‑quality ecological reports, mitigation plans, and recommendations
• Managing your own portfolio of projects and ensuring on‑time, on‑budget delivery
• Acting as day‑to‑day client contact and representing the team professionally
• Supporting, guiding, and mentoring junior ecologists
• Identifying opportunities and contributing to bids

Working Style & Travel

• Projects are primarily located across the South East
• Travel to various sites is required; occasional overnight stays
• Workload varies seasonally
• Typical week: mix of office, site, and home‑working days (1–2 each)
• Some night‑time survey work (supported by TOIL)

What’s next? It’s easy! Click “APPLY” now! We can’t wait to hear from you!

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