Senior Ecologist

CleanTech Talent; West Alvington; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days leave

Private healthcare

Pension 5% +

Training & memberships

EV salary sacrifice

Job summary

Exeter Ecology is seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to lead a broad range of ecological projects in Exeter. You will mentor junior colleagues, collaborate with technical specialists, and advise clients directly.

The role emphasizes development of people and technical craft, with hybrid working and a supportive leadership team. A degree in ecology and strong field skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology, environmental science, or related field.
• Experience mentoring junior ecologists.
• Strong survey methodologies and UK environmental legislation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological surveys, including protected species and habitat assessments.
• Manage complex projects end to end with quality outcomes.
• Mentor and develop junior ecologists, sharing expertise.
• Support business development through client relationships and new opportunities.
• Work across multidisciplinary teams to deliver nature-based solutions.

Skills

Mentoring

Project management

Ecology fieldwork

UK species ID

Education

Degree in Ecology

Job description

Senior / Principal Ecologist in Exeter

Develop your people. Sharpen your craft. Build your future.

Our client is a multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy growing its ecology team in Exeter. With several junior ecologists on board, they're looking for a mentor to bridge the gap between Consultant and Technical Director.

This is a role for someone who thrives on developing others as much as delivering excellent work.

Regionally managed with national alignment and an agile mindset, they put people and technology development at their core. Leadership is communicative and genuinely supportive — here, everyone has a seat at the table.

The Company

• For over 30 years, our client has been creating lasting environmental impact through ecology and environmental solutions.
• They’re known for transparent communication, a supportive culture, and real investment in their people.
• They nurture emerging talent, welcome fresh thinking and diverse perspectives, and build long‑term client relationships that last.
• Expect a genuinely open culture: weekly company discussions, monthly town halls, regular Q&As, and frequent visits from a down-to-earth, passionate leadership team.

The Role

As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you'll deliver a broad range of ecological projects, collaborate with technical specialists, mentor junior colleagues, and advise clients directly.

• Lead ecological surveys, including protected species and habitat assessments
• Manage complex projects end to end, ensuring quality outcomes
• Mentor and develop junior ecologists, sharing your expertise
• Support business development through client relationships and new opportunities
• Work across multidisciplinary teams to deliver lasting nature‑based solutions

What you'll bring

• Degree in ecology, environmental science, or related field
• Strong technical knowledge of survey methodologies, species ID, and UK environmental legislation
• Experience managing projects and mentoring others
• Excellent communication and client‑relationship skills
• A proactive, sustainability‑driven mindset
• UK driving licence

What's on offer

• Competitive salary with performance‑related bonuses
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 25 days' annual leave plus public holidays
• Private healthcare and health cashback scheme
• Paid professional memberships and training
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Clear progression pathways to director level
• Generous TOIL system for genuine work‑life balance

This is a rare opportunity to join a consultancy that invests in you and grows with you. Don't quite tick every box? Apply anyway as we'd still love to hear from you.