Senior Ecologist

James & Partners; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

James & Partners in Norwich is seeking a Senior Ecologist / Principal Ecologist / Ecologist to join its expanding in-house Ecology & Environmental team in East Anglia. The role offers hybrid working and a broad portfolio spanning biodiversity, BNG, habitat banking, and landscape recovery.

You will work on PEAs, protected species surveys, ECoW duties, habitat management planning and related ecological services, with opportunities to mentor junior staff and progress to senior levels.

Qualifications

• Degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Experience within ecological consultancy.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Experience with PEAs, habitat surveys and protected species work.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Membership of CIEEM or eligibility to apply.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), UKHab surveys and protected species surveys.
• Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and supporting habitat banking and landscape recovery projects.
• Producing high-quality technical reports and ecological documentation.
• Managing projects and coordinating survey programmes.
• Liaising with clients, landowners, planners, contractors and multidisciplinary teams.
• Supporting ecological mitigation, habitat enhancement and restoration initiatives.
• Undertaking Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) duties where required.
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members (Senior/Principal level).
• Using GIS/QGIS to support habitat mapping and ecological assessments.
• Ensuring projects are delivered in line with current wildlife legislation, planning policy and best practice guidance.

Skills

Ecology fieldwork

Report writing

Project management

Stakeholder liaison

UK wildlife policy knowledge

Membership in professional body (CIEEM

Education

Degree in Ecology or related

Tools

QGIS

Job description

Senior Ecologist / Principal Ecologist / Ecologist

Norwich | East Anglia | Hybrid Working

An established and highly regarded multi-disciplinary environmental and rural consultancy is looking to appoint an Ecologist, Senior Ecologist or Principal Ecologist to join its growing in-house Ecology & Environmental team in East Anglia.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking consultancy delivering a broad portfolio of ecology, biodiversity and land recovery projects across the region. The team is continuing to expand in response to growing demand around Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), habitat banking, landscape recovery and environmental planning.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across a diverse range of projects including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), protected species surveys, Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), habitat management planning, BNG assessments and wider ecological consultancy services.

The business is flexible on level and welcomes applications from experienced Ecologists through to Senior and Principal level candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), UKHab surveys and protected species surveys
• Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and supporting habitat banking and landscape recovery projects
• Producing high-quality technical reports and ecological documentation
• Managing projects and coordinating survey programmes
• Liaising with clients, landowners, planners, contractors and multidisciplinary teams
• Supporting ecological mitigation, habitat enhancement and restoration initiatives
• Undertaking Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) duties where required
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members (Senior/Principal level)
• Using GIS/QGIS to support habitat mapping and ecological assessments
• Ensuring projects are delivered in line with current wildlife legislation, planning policy and best practice guidance

Candidate Requirements

• Degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
• Experience within ecological consultancy
• Strong report writing and communication skills
• Experience with PEAs, habitat surveys and protected species work
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy
• Membership of CIEEM or eligibility to apply
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Experience

• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
• UKHab surveys and habitat condition assessments
• GIS/QGIS experience
• Protected species licences
• FISC accreditation
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) experience
• River restoration, freshwater ecology or habitat banking experience

Why Apply?

• Excellent opportunity to join a growing ecology function with genuine progression opportunities
• Diverse project portfolio across ecology, biodiversity and natural capital
• Flexible level of appointment depending on experience
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Hybrid working model
• Flexible basic salary available for the right candidate