Senior Ecologist: Lead Fieldwork, Remote & Progression

Cobalt Recruitment; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote working

Company car or car allowance

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave

Pension

Training & development

Job summary

Cobalt Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our expanding environmental consultancy. You will lead ecological surveys, guide project delivery, and act as a technical lead across infrastructure, property and utility projects.

The role offers flexibility with remote working, site visits, a company car or car allowance, and clear progression within a supportive team. You’ll collaborate with managers and senior staff to deliver high-quality ecological services.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or related environmental discipline.
• Minimum 4 years UK experience in ecological consultancy or related sector.
• Strong experience in protected species and habitat surveys.
• Understanding of planning system including Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Proven technical report writing and QA skills.
• Confident communicator with clients, contractors and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver protected species surveys, including bats.
• Act as technical ecological lead across a range of projects.
• Undertake Ecological Clerk of Works duties on site.
• Complete UKHab / Phase 1 surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Assist with HRAs, mitigation licences, and EIA ecology inputs.
• Support project coordination from inception through to completion.
• Ensure compliance with ecological legislation, licences and planning conditions.
• Review and guide the work of junior ecologists.

Skills

Client communication

Project coordination

Report writing

Team leadership

Time management

Education

Degree in ecology

Tools

GIS mapping

Job description

Cobalt Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our expanding environmental consultancy. You will lead ecological surveys, guide project delivery, and act as a technical lead across infrastructure, property and utility projects.

The role offers flexibility with remote working, site visits, a company car or car allowance, and clear progression within a supportive team. You’ll collaborate with managers and senior staff to deliver high-quality ecological services.