Senior Ecologist

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

Job summary

An independent ecology consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist based near Salisbury. The successful candidate will lead ecological projects, conduct surveys, and manage client relationships. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, along with significant experience in ecological consultancy and fieldwork capabilities. This permanent role offers a competitive salary and hybrid working opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonuses

Generous annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Professional membership fees covered

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in UK-based ecological consultancy.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork and analyze data for reports.
• Hold a minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical work and oversee challenging ecological projects.
• Conduct ecological surveys and prepare reports.
• Engage with clients and manage stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Ecological consultancy experience

Fieldwork competence

GIS proficiency

Excellent communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Ecology or related field

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Senior Ecologist
Ref. No.: CJD(phone number removed)B
Location: Based near Salisbury
Salary: £33,000 - £37,000

This is a wonderful opportunity to join an eco-conscious, independent Ecology Consultancy, lending their expert services to a range of important projects across the ecological landscape. They are seeking a driven, experienced Senior Ecologist, willing to take on challenging projects alongside an already-established team of professionals, based near the vibrant, historical city of Salisbury.

Benefits for the role of Senior Ecologist include (but are not limited to):

• A competitive base salary, plus annual bonuses
• Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with length of service
• Time off in Lieu (TOIL) available, to compensate hours in the field
• Flexible, hybrid working opportunities
• Professional Membership fees paid by your employer
• A diverse, sociable, supportive team
• Training and career progression opportunities

Responsibilities

• Taking a leadership role in specialist technical work, working with a dynamic team of professionals
• Overseeing a variety of challenging projects across the region
• Carrying out ecological surveys, utilising data to inform reports, including Protected Species Licence Applications
• Peer reviewing reports and assessments authored by other colleagues
• Engaging with and managing a number of clients and stakeholders across the public and private sectors
• Representing the company whilst leading projects across the local area and further afield

Required skills and experience

• A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Ecology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, or a similar, relevant discipline
• Extensive experience within a UK-based ecological consultancy (or Local Authority, in a relevant role)
• Experience of preparing and submitting Mitigation Licence applications
• Demonstrable ability to conduct fieldwork, 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 systems
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Good 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, barn owls, 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 with having produced technical reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments
• Competencies with application for, and implementation of, licences
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Experience of having managed/lead colleagues/a team
• BMCL registered, or hold Earned Recognition (ER) Class Licence

Additional information

If you are interested in the role of Senior Ecologist, please do not hesitate to contact the Ecology Team at Penguin Recruitment. Please also see our website for a range of other roles currently available. This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a recruitment agency in respect to this vacancy.

Job Details

• Job Title: Senior Ecologist
• Company: Penguin Recruitment
• Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
• Posted: Sep 15th 2025
• Closes: Oct 16th 2025
• Sector: Consulting
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time

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