Senior Ecologist – Bio Net Gain

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Stonehouse; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK seeks a Senior Ecologist with expertise in Biodiversity Net Gain to join their hybrid team in Stonehouse. In this role, you will lead assessments and strategies for diverse projects, provide technical advice, and mentor junior staff to ensure ecological improvements are achieved. A degree in Ecology or related field and strong communication skills are essential. The role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Ongoing professional development

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline.
• Strong technical knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Provide technical advice on habitat creation and enhancement.
• Oversee ecological surveys and impact assessments.

Skills

Biodiversity Net Gain principles

Ecological communication skills

Project management

Technical advice on habitat creation

Education

Degree in Ecology or related discipline

Postgraduate qualification (preferred)

Membership or eligibility of CIEEM

Job description

Senior Ecologist – Biodiversity Net Gain Specialist

Location: Stonehouse (Hybrid Working)
Sector: Environmental Consultancy
Type: Full-time, Permanent

Our client is a leading multidisciplinary consultancy dedicated to delivering sustainable environmental solutions across the UK. They are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist with specialist expertise in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) to join their growing ecology team based in Stonehouse.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious ecologist to take a lead role in shaping nature-positive outcomes on a diverse range of infrastructure, development, and restoration projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and strategies for a variety of public and private sector projects.

• Provide technical advice on habitat creation, enhancement, and offsetting to achieve measurable ecological improvements.

• Oversee ecological surveys, impact assessments, and habitat management planning.

• Mentor and support junior ecologists, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.

• Liaise with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure ecological objectives are clearly understood and met.

• Contribute to proposals, bids, and business development activities related to biodiversity and natural capital services.

About You

• Degree (and ideally postgraduate qualification) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline.

• Membership (or eligibility) of CIEEM.

• Strong technical knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain principles, including use of the Defra Metric and habitat condition assessments.

• Proven experience managing ecological inputs to development projects and working with planning frameworks.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.

• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites as required.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Hybrid and flexible working options.

• Ongoing professional development and support with chartership.

• The opportunity to work with a supportive, forward-thinking team delivering projects that make a genuine difference for biodiversity.

Join our client in delivering a nature-positive future.