Senior Ecologist

BSG Ecology; Milton Heights; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their Oxfordshire team. You will oversee complex ecological projects, mentor colleagues, and manage client relationships. Candidates must have at least three years of ecological consultancy experience and relevant licenses. The role offers competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a collaborative workplace focused on staff wellbeing. Elevate your career in a supportive environment committed to ecology and professional development.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Company-funded social events

Health and wellbeing benefits

Long service rewards

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years full-time experience in ecological consultancy.
• Broad ecological skillset and one or more protected species licences.
• Confidence in written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for complex ecological projects.
• Mentor colleagues in ecology and consultancy.
• Collaborate on diverse projects for various clients.

Skills

Ecological consultancy experience

Project management

Communication skills

Knowledge of wildlife policy

Flexibility

Driving licence

Education

BSc or MSc in relevant subject

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our well-established and friendly Oxfordshire team. You will take responsibility for complex, high-profile and ecologically interesting projects. We will work with you to develop your skills in all aspects of ecology and consultancy work through mentoring, a structured review process and tailored training programme. We are particularly looking for more experienced candidates including strong project managers and those with specialist interest in bats (including tree climbers), badgers, water vole, holders of mitigation licences, and botanists. Early in 2026 we will be moving office location to Milton Park, Didcot. Located just off the A34, and with excellent public transport links, Milton Park is a dedicated science, technology and business park with a large number of amenities including cafes, gym & swimming pool, nursery, pharmacy, urban gardens and a programme of community events throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for complex, high-profile and ecologically interesting projects.
• Mentor colleagues and support the development of skills in ecology and consultancy through a structured review process and tailored training programme.
• Collaborate on projects across sectors including heritage, renewable energy, residential, leisure and minerals for a diverse range of clients.
• Promote high professional standards in ecology and support the company's values as a 100% employee-owned organisation.
• Contribute to business development through effective project management and client liaison.
• Support health and safety and staff wellbeing with flexible working arrangements and TOIL policies.

Qualifications and experience

• Relevant professional ecological experience (ideally including at least three years full-time experience in ecological consultancy).
• A broad ecological skill-set and, ideally, one or more protected species licences.
• Knowledge of the planning system and current wildlife policy and legislation.
• Confidence in written and verbal communication.
• Effective project management and client liaison skills.
• The ability to identify, understand, and resolve ecological issues.
• Enthusiasm for ecology and the environment in the UK.
• The desire to promote high professional standards in ecology.
• An organised approach to work, flexibility and a high level of motivation.
• A good BSc and/or MSc in a relevant subject.
• A full driving licence and access to your own transport.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary and 25 days (excluding bank holidays) annual leave, benefits include private healthcare, company-funded social events, long service rewards and health and wellbeing benefits.

Notes

We are a 100% employee-owned company, which helps us maintain independence and align the interests and values of the business with current and future employees. We are a multi-award winning, industry-leading consultancy with a strong reputation for technical ability amongst clients and professionals. We are Ecologist owned and Ecologist led. Our ecologists work on projects across sectors and we invest in training and career development with a structured internal training program for new starters, complemented by external training and mentoring. Health and safety and staff wellbeing are at the forefront, with a focus on work-life balance, TOIL policies, and flexible working arrangements. We use sophisticated cloud-based project management and GIS systems to enable collaboration across offices and remote work.