Senior Ecologist in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Energy Jobline CVL; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological service provider in the East of England seeks an experienced ecologist to deliver ecological services for major development projects. The role involves leading protected species surveys, producing technical reports, and developing mitigation strategies. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Ecology, experience in ecological surveys, and strong communication skills. The company supports work-life balance with flexible arrangements.

Benefits

24-25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Share Incentive Scheme

Life assurance

Health screening and dental care options

Cycle to Work scheme

Car allowance

Qualifications

• Experience in designing ecological surveys and interpreting findings.
• Ability to conduct Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and produce reports.
• Mentoring junior team members and encouraging professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design protected species surveys for development schemes.
• Produce technical reports including PEAs and EIAs.
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies for protected species.

Skills

Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification

Designing and delivering ecological surveys

Protected species licensing

Collaboration

Strong communication skills

Time management

Education

Degree (BSc or MSc) in Ecology or related field

Membership of CIEEM

Protected species survey licence

Field Identification Skills Certificate Level 4

Job description

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We focus on the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Engineering, Power, and Nuclear markets as well as emerging technologies in EV, Battery, and Fusion. We are committed to ensuring that we offer the most exciting career opportunities from around the world for our jobseekers.

An opportunity is available for an experienced ecologist to join a growing team in the East of England. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering ecological services for major development projects, from fieldwork through to planning support and mitigation. The company values work‑life balance and offers flexible working arrangements, including Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) for fieldwork.

Benefits

• 24-25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 extra holiday days
• Company pension scheme
• Share Incentive Scheme
• Life assurance
• Group cover
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Health screening and dental care options
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to discounts via BenefitHub
• Car allowance (for applicable roles)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and design a variety of protected species surveys for major infrastructure and development schemes in the East of England
• Produce technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports, Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs), and Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
• Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, including baseline habitat surveys, habitat condition assessments, Biodiversity Metric calculations, and reporting for planning applications
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies, including obtaining protected species licences (e.g. for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and water voles)
• Assist in the preparation of tenders and proposals
• Provide mentoring and support to junior team members, encouraging professional development and hands‑on learning

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments
• Proven experience in designing and delivering a wide range of ecological surveys and interpreting findings for planning and mitigation
• Experience in protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) responsibilities
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work independently when required
• Strong communication and time management skills
• A full UK driving licence with business insurance and a willingness to travel throughout the region (occasional overnight stays may be necessary)

Ideal Qualifications & Certifications

• Degree (BSc or MSc) in Ecology or a related field
• Eligibility for, or current membership of, the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• A protected species survey licence (e.g. for great crested newts or bats is highly desirable)
• Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 4 is desirable but not essential

Interested in this role? Apply today or feel free to ring Ashleigh Garner at Penguin Recruitment for a confidential chat.

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