Senior Ecologist — Lead Projects & Client Partnerships

Allen & York Ltd; Crawley Down; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Diverse project portfolio

Supportive technical team

Professional development opportunities

Potential pathway to Principal Ecology

Job summary

Allen & York is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead ecological projects from Crawley, West Sussex. The role combines field surveys, technical reporting and client liaison, with opportunities to mentor junior ecologists and contribute to tenders, while developing broad experience across UK sectors.

The position offers flexible fieldwork, a strong technical team and a clear path for professional development within a growing environmental consultancy.

Qualifications

• At least three years' relevant professional experience in ecological consultancy or a closely related field.
• A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification.
• Strong botanical and faunal identification skills.
• Experience undertaking habitat and protected species surveys, mitigation and licensing.
• A good understanding of UK wildlife legislation and policy.
• Strong technical report-writing skills, including PEARs, EcIA and protected species reports.
• Experience managing projects and liaising directly with clients.
• Excellent organisation, communication and teamwork skills.
• Full or Associate Membership of CIEEM, or eligibility to obtain membership.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally, including occasional overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead terrestrial ecology surveys, including UK Habitat Classification, Phase 1 habitat and protected species surveys.
• Undertake fieldwork, including surveys for bats, badgers, dormice, great crested newts, reptiles, otters, water voles and nesting birds.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAR), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Environmental Statement chapters and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
• Manage ecological projects, ensuring delivery to agreed deadlines and client expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to tenders and new project opportunities.
• Review technical work and provide guidance and mentoring to junior ecologists.
• Provide specialist ecological advice and support mitigation and licensing requirements.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Field surveys

Report writing

Client liaison

Project management

Team mentoring

CIEEM member

Driving licence

UK wildlife legislation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or MSc in Ecology

Tools

QGIS

MS Office

Job description

Allen & York is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead ecological projects from Crawley, West Sussex. The role combines field surveys, technical reporting and client liaison, with opportunities to mentor junior ecologists and contribute to tenders, while developing broad experience across UK sectors.

The position offers flexible fieldwork, a strong technical team and a clear path for professional development within a growing environmental consultancy.