Senior Ecologist

CleanTech Talent; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative environmental organization in the UK is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead ecological workstreams across diverse projects. This role encompasses project leadership, technical delivery, and strategic input, where you'll have the autonomy to influence ecological considerations from design to implementation. Candidates should possess strong qualifications in ecology and be familiar with UK ecological legislation. The position offers a hybrid working model with a salary range of £40,000 – £45,000, fostering a collaborative and progressive work environment.

Benefits

Salary £40,000 – £45,000

Hybrid working model

Opportunity to work on high-impact ecological projects

Collaborative working environment

Progression path to Principal level

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation, policy and planning frameworks.
• Proven experience delivering habitat and protected species surveys.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver ecological projects from scoping through to completion.
• Undertake and oversee Preliminary Ecology Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments.
• Deliver Habitats Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.

Skills

Project leadership

Ecological assessments

Technical reporting

Problem-solving

Mentoring

Education

Degree in ecology, biological sciences or related discipline

CIEEM membership

Job description

Senior Ecologist - Nature Recovery, Infrastructure & Biodiversity Systems

The Company

Join a forward-thinking environmental organisation working at the intersection of ecology, infrastructure and nature recovery. The team supports complex, multi-disciplinary projects where ecological insight directly shapes long-term outcomes for biodiversity, land use and sustainable development.

You’ll work alongside specialists across ecology, landscape, arboriculture and environmental planning, tackling technically challenging projects that require robust ecological judgement, regulatory insight and practical delivery.

This is an opportunity to move beyond routine consultancy work and contribute to high-impact, nature-positive systems at scale.

The Role

We’re seeking an experienced and technically strong Senior Ecologist to lead ecological workstreams across a diverse project portfolio. The role combines project leadership, technical delivery and strategic input, with the autonomy to influence how ecological considerations are embedded from early design through to implementation.

You’ll take ownership of ecological assessments, surveys and reporting, guide mitigation and enhancement strategies, and support the development of junior team members.

The role suits an ecologist who enjoys responsibility, problem-solving, and applying ecological principles in complex, real-world contexts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver ecological projects from scoping through to completion
• Undertake and oversee Preliminary Ecology Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments
• Deliver Habitats Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
• Design and manage protected species surveys, mitigation and licensing support
• Scope, plan and lead field surveys, ensuring technical quality and regulatory compliance
• Provide clear, well-reasoned ecological advice to inform decision-making
• Mentor and support junior ecologists and assistants
• Collaborate closely with landscape, arboricultural and environmental colleagues
• Contribute to continuous improvement of ecological processes, standards and delivery

Basic Qualifications

• Degree (or higher) in ecology, biological sciences or a related discipline
• CIEEM membership (ideally working towards or holding Chartership)
• Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation, policy and planning frameworks
• Proven experience delivering habitat and protected species surveys
• Familiarity with UK Habitat Classification and specialist species methodologies
• Protected Species Licence(s) desirable
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting
• Confident project leadership and workload management capability
• Full UK driving licence

What’s on Offer

• Salary : £40,000 – £45,000
• Hybrid working model
• Opportunity to work on technically interesting, high-impact ecological projects
• Collaborative, low-ego working environment with real autonomy at senior level
• Progression path to Principal level

What’s Next?

Please apply with your CV, or contact CleanTech Talent for a confidential discussion.

CleanTech Talent is acting as the exclusive hiring partner for this role.