Senior Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment; Stonehouse; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Stonehouse is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist specializing in Biodiversity Net Gain to join their ecology team. This role involves leading assessments and strategies for ecological improvements on various projects while mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have a degree in Ecology or Environmental Science, excellent communication skills, and a full UK driving license. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Hybrid and flexible working options

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Experience managing ecological inputs to development projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain principles.
• Membership (or eligibility) of CIEEM.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain assessments for projects.
• Provide technical advice on habitat creation and enhancement.
• Oversee ecological surveys and habitat management planning.
• Mentor junior ecologists and support business development.

Skills

Biodiversity Net Gain assessments

Communication skills

Ecological survey techniques

Project management

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Postgraduate qualification (preferred)

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