Senior Ecologist

Greenbridge Recruitment; Rawridge; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days' annual leave + bank holidays

Private medical insurance incl. mental

NEST pension scheme

Flexible/hybrid working

Annual CPD allowance

Professional fees paid (e.g., CIEEM)

Clothing and footwear allowance for现场

Use of company pool cars for site work

Job summary

Greenbridge Recruitment is assisting a small, independent ecological consultancy in Devon to recruit a Senior Ecologist with strong habitats, botany and BNG expertise, to complement the team’s capabilities. The role offers hybrid working with roughly two days WFH per week and a supportive environment.

You will lead on habitats, botany and BNG, mentor junior colleagues, and work on local projects across Devon, West Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

Qualifications

• 4+ years post-qualification experience in ecology.
• Strong Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) experience.
• FISC Level 3 or 4.
• Associate or Full Membership of CIEEM.

Responsibilities

• Lead on habitats, botany and BNG within the team.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues to build skills and confidence.
• Work locally across Devon, West Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset; flexible travel.
• Operate in a Collaborative, well-supported environment with flexible/hybrid hours.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Report writing

Independent working

Team collaboration

BNG knowledge

Habitats experience

Education

FISC Level 3 or 4

CIEEM membership (Assoc/Full)

Job description

Are you a Senior Ecologist in Devon looking for a change of pace? Or an experienced Consultant looking for that next step up in a supportive environment? We’re working with a small, independent ecological consultancy to find a Senior Ecologist with strong habitats, botany, and BNG expertise to complement the team's existing bat-focused capability.

About the role

The post can be based in Dawlish or Bideford, with Bideford preferred to support one of the co-directors. You'll ideally be able to lead on all things habitats, botany and BNG, while mentoring and supporting junior colleagues, helping them build their skills and confidence. No prior management experience is required, however, though you'll be well supported to develop those capabilities formally over time if desired/needed. Work will be mostly local across projects in Devon, West Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset — generally within about a two-hour drive, with occasional work further afield.

While the team holds significant bat expertise and licences between its members, the team are equally welcoming to candidates who hold a bat licence themselves and/or wish to develop that alongside their habitats/botany/BNG practice. The consultancy has a great reputation for both its work and retaining its people, and staff consistently report high levels of satisfaction in annual reviews. The working culture is collaborative and collegial, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and mutual support rather than rigid supervision. Hours are flexible, with many team members structuring their week around family commitments, and part-time or condensed-hours arrangements could be considered for the right candidate. The role is hybrid, with roughly 2 days WFH per week, again flexible/negotiable.

What we're looking for:

• 4+ years post-qualification experience in ecology
• Strong BNG experience
• FISC Level 3 or 4
• Associate or Full Membership of CIEEM
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team
• Excellent report-writing skills

Salary and benefits:

• £35,000–£45,000 depending on experience
• 20 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical insurance, including mental health and wellbeing support
• NEST pension scheme
• Flexible/hybrid working
• Annual CPD allowance
• Professional fees paid, e.g. CIEEM membership
• Clothing and footwear allowance for fieldwork
• Use of company pool cars for site visits