Senior Ecologist

Habitat Works Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Paid professional membership fees (CIE

Training & development budget

Mentoring & career progression

In-house contracting team experience

Friendly collaborative culture

Job summary

Habitat Works Ltd in West Yorkshire seeks a Senior Ecologist to lead botanical, habitat and protected species surveys. You will prepare PEAs, habitat and species assessments, and contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments.

The role includes Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and HMMP input, with mentoring of junior staff and project delivery from field surveys to final reports. The successful candidate will have 4–5 years of consultancy experience, a degree in Ecology or Environmental

Qualifications

• 4–5 years consultancy experience.
• Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science or related discipline.
• FISC Level 3 or higher (ideally Level 4).
• CIEEM membership or eligibility.
• Strong survey skills and report-writing ability.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead botanical, habitat and protected species surveys.
• Prepare high-quality reports including PEAs, habitat and species assessments, and EIA contributions.
• Carry out Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and HMMP inputs.
• Support Ecology Manager and Directors; mentor junior team members.
• Contribute to projects from initial survey through to delivery.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Survey techniques

Report writing

Leadership/mentoring

Driving licence

Education

Bachelor/Master in Ecology or Environmental Science

FISC Level 3 or higher

CIEEM membership eligibility

Job description

Habitat Works Ltd is entering an exciting period of growth. Having recently moved into larger offices and expanded our team, we are now looking to further strengthen our established ecology division with the appointment of a Senior Ecologist.

At Habitat Works, we are more than just an ecological consultancy . As both a consultancy and environmental contractin g company, we deliver a diverse and rewarding range of projects for clients nationwide. Our services include ecological and botanical surveys, planning support, Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), protected species surveys, wildlife licensing, and mitigation works.

Our ecology team is made up of highly skilled professionals with experience in areas such as bat, badger, great crested newt, crayfish, bird, botanical, and specialist aquatic macrophyte surveys. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a wide variety of projects while being supported by internal mentoring and both internal and external training opportunities to further your professional development.

In addition to consultancy, our in‑house environmental contracting team delivers a broad range of habitat management and creation projects. These include meadow creation and management, tree planting, moorland restoration, artificial badger sett creation, community engagement projects, pond creation, and more. This unique structure allows our ecologists to be involved not only in the survey and assessment stages but also in the practical delivery of habitat enhancement works.

The role will be based at our Head Office in Denby Dale, West Yorkshire, with the flexibility of home working where suitable. Our location is ideally placed for commuting from Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, and the surrounding areas. The successful candidate should also be prepared to work on project sites across the UK as required.

About the Role…

As a Senior Ecologist, you will:

• Undertake and lead botanical, habitat and protected species surveys
• Prepare high-quality reports, including PEAs, habitat and species assessments, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) contributions
• Carry out Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and produce Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs)
• Support the Ecology Manager and Directors while mentoring and encouraging junior members of the team
• Contribute to a variety of projects from initial survey through to project delivery

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 4-5 years’ consultancy experience
• Degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
• FISC Level 3 or above (ideally level 4)
• Membership (or eligibility for membership) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• An excellent understanding of ecological processes, survey techniques, and wildlife legislation
• Strong botanical identification skills and experience of leading on ecological surveys
• Excellent report-writing skills and the ability to produce professional, technical, client-ready reports
• A protected species licence (bat or great crested newt) is desirable
• Experience of BNG assessments and HMMP input is an advantage
• A full UK driving licence is essential

Why Join Habitat Works?

At Habitat Works, you’ll be more than just part of a team — you’ll be a valued contributor in a supportive, collaborative environment. As a growing company, we offer the benefits of a close‑knit culture where your ideas are heard, your work is recognised, and you’ll have the chance to influence how we develop.

Unlike larger corporates, we pride ourselves on variety and opportunity: you won’t be restricted to a single function but instead will gain broad experience across consultancy and contracting, with real scope to develop your skills and career.

If you’re looking for a role where you’ll be seen, supported, and appreciated as part of an ambitious and friendly team, we’d love to hear from you.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
• Time off in lieu (TOIL) policy for additional hours worked
• Company pension scheme
• Paid professional membership fees (e.g. CIEEM)
• Generous training and development budget for internal and external courses
• Mentoring and clear pathways for career progression
• Opportunities to gain practical experience with our in‑house contracting team
• A friendly, collaborative culture where your contributions make a real difference

Habitat Works Ltd is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection are based solely on merit. We are committed to promoting inclusivity and providing equality of opportunity. If you require support with your application, please contact us at 01484 482629 or [e-mail].