Senior Ecologist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote working

Company car or car allowance

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Pension

Training & development

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our expanding environmental consultancy. You will lead ecological surveys, guide project delivery, and act as a technical lead across infrastructure, property and utility projects.

The role offers flexibility with remote working, site visits, a company car or car allowance, and clear progression within a supportive team. You’ll collaborate with managers and senior staff to deliver high-quality ecological services.

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.
• Understanding of planning system including Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Proven technical report writing and QA skills.
• Confident communicator with clients, contractors and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver protected species surveys, including bats.
• Act as technical ecological lead across a range of projects.
• Undertake Ecological Clerk of Works duties on site.
• Complete UKHab / Phase 1 surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Assist with HRAs, mitigation licences, and EIA ecology inputs.
• Support 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

Client communication

Project coordination

Report writing

Team leadership

Time management

Education

Degree in ecology

Tools

GIS mapping

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.