Senior Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent ecology consultancy based near Reading is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist. The role involves leading a dynamic team on various ecological projects and conducting surveys. The ideal candidate should have a relevant degree and substantial experience in UK ecological consultancies. Competitive salary and benefits including flexible working opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive basic salary

Generous annual leave

Training and mentoring opportunities

Flexible hybrid working opportunities

Qualifications

• Must possess a minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence.
• Extensive experience in a UK-based ecological consultancy.
• Demonstrable ability to analyze and interpret data.

Responsibilities

• Oversee specialist technical work with a team of professionals.
• Lead a variety of challenging projects across the region.
• Conduct ecological surveys and inform reports including applications.

Skills

Ecological consultancy experience

Fieldwork experience

Use of GIS mapping systems

Communication skills

Time management skills

Education

Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Science

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Senior Ecologist
Location: Based near Reading
Salary: £33,000 - £37,000
This is an exciting opportunity to join my client, an independent, innovative Ecology Consultancy, lending their expertise to a range of important projects across the ecological landscape. They are on the lookout for an experienced, passionate Senior Ecologist, willing to take on a variety of challenging projects alongside an already-established team of professionals, based near the vibrant, modern town of Reading.

Benefits

• A competitive basic salary, plus annual bonus scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with number of years\' service
• Time off in Lieu (TOIL) available, to compensate hours spent in the field
• Flexible, hybrid working opportunities
• Professional Membership fees paid for
• A diverse, sociable team who champion equality and engagement
• Training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities

Responsibilities

• Overseeing specialist technical work, leading a dynamic team of professionals
• Taking the lead on a variety of challenging projects across the region
• Carrying out ecological surveys, utilising data to inform reports, including Protected Species Licence Applications
• Reviewing and amending reports and assessments authored by other colleagues
• Engaging with and managing a number of clients and stakeholders across the public and private sectors (to include Local Authorities)
• Representing the company whilst leading projects across the local area and further afield

Required skills and experience

• A Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Science (or similar, relevant discipline)
• Extensive experience within a UK-based ecological consultancy (or in a relevant role with a Local Authority, etc.)
• Experience of preparing and submitting Mitigation Licence applications
• Demonstrable fieldwork experience, analysing and interpreting data to inform the necessary reports and assessments, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), planning applications, etc.
• Proficient in the use of GIS mapping systems
• Outstanding communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to work under pressure and meet required deadlines
• Possess a minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence (for bats, Great Crested Newts, etc.)
• Experience of leading on the delivery of a range of projects
• Hold a full, valid UK driving licence, as well as your own vehicle, with a willingness to travel to a variety of sites
• Willing to work unsociable hours in order to conduct vital fieldwork

Desirable skills and experience

• Hold multiple Protected Species Survey Licence (for bats, dormice, barn owls, Great Crested Newts, etc.)
• Experience of producing technical reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, etc.
• Competencies with application for, and implementation of, the necessary Mitigation Licences
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Experience of team management/leadership
• BMCL registered, or hold Earned Recognition (ER) Class Licence

Job Info

• Job Title: Senior Ecologist
• Company: Penguin Recruitment
• Location: Based near Reading
• Posted: Sep 15th 2025
• Closes: Oct 16th 2025
• Sector: Medical, Pharmaceutical & Scientific
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time