Senior Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Ecologist to join a growing team in Peterborough. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering ecological services for major development projects. Responsibilities include leading protected species surveys and producing ecological reports. The role offers a flexible working environment with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, alongside a competitive benefits package including annual leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

24-25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Option to buy extra holiday days

Company pension scheme

Share Incentive Scheme

Life assurance

Group disability cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Health screening and dental care options

Cycle to Work scheme

Car allowance

Qualifications

• Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering ecological surveys.
• Strong communication and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design protected species surveys for infrastructure projects.
• Produce technical reports including PEAs and EIAs.
• Develop mitigation strategies and obtain species licenses.

Skills

UK Habitat Classification

Ecological survey design

Protected species licensing

Communication skills

Time management skills

Job description

Ecologist – Cambridge

An opportunity is available for an experienced ecologist to join a growing team in the East of England. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering ecological services for major development projects, from fieldwork through to planning support and mitigation. The company values work‑life balance and offers flexible working arrangements, including Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) for fieldwork.

Benefits

• 24-25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 extra holiday days
• Company pension scheme
• Share Incentive Scheme
• Life assurance
• Group disability cover
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Health screening and dental care options
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to discounts via BenefitHub
• Car allowance (for applicable roles)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and design a variety of protected species surveys for major infrastructure and development schemes in the East of England
• Produce technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports, Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs), and Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
• Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, including baseline habitat surveys, habitat condition assessments, Biodiversity Metric calculations, and reporting for planning applications
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies, including obtaining protected species licences (e.g. for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and water voles)
• Assist in the preparation of tenders and fee proposals
• Provide mentoring and support to junior team members, encouraging professional development and hands‑on learning

Ideal Candidate

• Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments
• Proven experience in designing and delivering a wide range of ecological surveys and interpreting findings for planning and mitigation
• Experience in protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) responsibilities
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work independently when required
• Strong communication and time‑management skills
• A full UK driving licence with business insurance and a willingness to travel throughout the region (occasional overnight stays may be necessary)

Interested in this role? Apply today or feel free to ring Ashleigh Garner at Penguin Recruitment for a confidential chat.