Senior Ecologist

JR United Kingdom; Salford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Manchester-based environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist. The role involves leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring ecological compliance in a collaborative culture. The company offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

24 days holiday, rising to 30 with long service

5% employer pension contribution

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years' consultancy experience.
• Deep understanding of UK/EC wildlife legislation.
• Licences for bats and/or great crested newts (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple ecology projects.
• Conduct site-based habitat and protected species surveys.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists.

Skills

Project Management

Habitat Surveys

Ecological Assessments

Communication

Education

Degree in Ecology

Full Member of CIEEM

Job description

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Bennett and Game are representing a leading Manchester-based environmental consultancy currently seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their expanding team. With a current headcount of 25 and a turnover on track to grow from £2 million to £3 million in the next 12 months, the business is in a strong phase of strategic growth underpinned by a varied, design-led project pipeline. This is an opportunity to work with purpose, delivering practical, sustainable solutions that help clients balance development with meaningful ecological value.

Our client operates across ecology, arboriculture, and green infrastructure, supporting projects nationwide in the residential, commercial, education, and infrastructure sectors. The role will see you take a lead on project delivery, mentor junior team members, and help shape the future of the ecology discipline during this exciting growth phase. The business fosters a collaborative, low-hierarchy culture, with genuine opportunities for tailored career progression and innovation at every level.

Bennett and Game are representing a leading Manchester-based environmental consultancy currently seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their expanding team. With a current headcount of 25 and a turnover on track to grow from £2 million to £3 million in the next 12 months, the business is in a strong phase of strategic growth underpinned by a varied, design-led project pipeline. This is an opportunity to work with purpose, delivering practical, sustainable solutions that help clients balance development with meaningful ecological value.

Our client operates across ecology, arboriculture, and green infrastructure, supporting projects nationwide in the residential, commercial, education, and infrastructure sectors. The role will see you take a lead on project delivery, mentor junior team members, and help shape the future of the ecology discipline during this exciting growth phase. The business fosters a collaborative, low-hierarchy culture, with genuine opportunities for tailored career progression and innovation at every level.

Senior / Principal Ecologist Salary & Benefits

• Salary range: £40,000 - £45,000, dependent on experience and licensing
• 24 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 30 with long service
• Hybrid working - flexible arrangements dependent on project demands
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Paid professional subscription (1 per year)
• Access to company fleet vehicles for site travel
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Techscheme
• Eyecare scheme
• Season ticket cash advance available
• 1 volunteering day per year
• Regular staff events and a collaborative, low-hierarchy team culture

Senior / Principal Ecologist Job Overview

• Lead and manage multiple ecology projects from inception through to final delivery
• Conduct site-based habitat and protected species surveys, with particular emphasis on bats, GCN, and Phase 1/UKHab
• Take ownership of technical report writing, EcIA delivery, EPS licensing, and biodiversity net gain assessments
• Mentor and support junior ecologists, offering guidance, technical checks, and development planning
• Act as point of contact for clients, consultants, and planning authorities
• Oversee health and safety compliance, fieldwork logistics, and seasonal team resourcing
• Play a key role in team development and supporting the wider ecology business plan

Senior / Principal Ecologist Job Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or any related subject
• Minimum 3-5 years' consultancy experience
• Full Member of CIEEM (essential)
• Deep understanding of UK/EC wildlife legislation and planning policy
• Demonstrable project management skills, including commercial oversight and delivery against deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing EPSL documents, BNG assessments, and EcIAs
• Licences for bats and/or great crested newts (desirable)
• HRA, GIS capability, or FISC Level 3+ qualifications are advantageous
• Full UK driving licence

If you're looking to take the next step in your ecology career with a purpose-driven consultancy that values both people and the planet, we'd love to hear from you.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.
We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.

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