Senior Ecologist

Cobalt Recruitment; South Town; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car or car allowance

Pension scheme

Ongoing training

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead ecological work across infrastructure, property and utilities, with remote working and site visits. You will be the technical lead on ecological matters, overseeing field surveys, report writing, and client liaison.

The role requires at least 4 years’ UK experience, a strong background in protected species surveys, and a full UK driving licence. You will mentor junior ecologists and help shape project delivery in a supportive consultancy.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or related environmental discipline.
• Minimum 4 years’ UK experience in ecological consultancy or related sector.
• Strong experience in protected species and habitat surveys.
• Sound understanding of the planning system, including BNG.
• Proven technical report writing and quality assurance skills.
• Confident communicator with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage workloads and coordinate surveys effectively.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and work survey hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver protected species surveys, including bats.
• Act as technical ecological lead across a range of projects.
• Undertake and manage Ecological Clerk of Works duties on site.
• Complete UKHab / Phase 1 surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Support the preparation of HRAs, mitigation licences, and EIA ecology inputs.
• Assist with project coordination from inception through to completion.
• Ensure compliance with ecological legislation, licences, and planning conditions.
• Review and guide the work of junior ecologists.

Skills

Ecology degree

UK field experience

Protected species surveys

Reporting skills

Client communication

Project coordination

Driving licence

Education

Degree in ecology

Job description

Ready for more flexibility without compromising on exciting projects? Join a growing consultancy working across infrastructure, property & utilities, taking the technical lead on ecology projects while enjoying remote working, a car/car allowance and excellent progression.

An established environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its growing team. This role offers a varied workload across infrastructure, construction, and development projects, combining fieldwork, technical leadership, and project delivery.

You’ll work closely with project managers and senior colleagues, acting as a technical lead on ecological matters while supporting junior team members and ensuring projects are delivered to a high professional standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver protected species surveys, including bats.
• Act as technical ecological lead across a range of projects.
• Undertake and manage Ecological Clerk of Works duties on site.
• Complete UKHab / Phase 1 surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Support the preparation of HRAs, mitigation licences, and EIA ecology inputs.
• Assist with project coordination from inception through to completion.
• Ensure compliance with ecological legislation, licences, and planning conditions.
• Review and guide the work of junior ecologists.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in ecology or a related environmental discipline.
• Minimum 4 years’ UK experience in ecological consultancy or related sector.
• Strong experience in protected species and habitat surveys.
• Sound understanding of the planning system, including BNG.
• Proven technical report writing and quality assurance skills.
• Confident communicator with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage workloads and coordinate surveys effectively.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and work survey hours.

Desirable:

• Membership of CIEEM (or working towards chartership).
• Ideally a Bat licence holder (Level 1) or any other species licenses (GCN, dormice, reptiles, barn owls).
• Experience producing protected species licences.
• Background in infrastructure, utilities, or property development projects.
• Experience with EIAs, HRAs, and GIS mapping.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Remote working and site visits.
• Company car or car allowance with mileage.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid arrangements.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthday leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to step into a senior position within a supportive consultancy, delivering high-quality ecological services on diverse and meaningful projects. You’ll benefit from flexibility, strong career development, and the opportunity to make a real impact across the environmental sector.