Senior Ecologist: Lead Projects & Mentoring

Allen & York Ltd; Crawley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Allen & York Ltd in Crawley is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead projects, build client relationships and mentor junior staff. The role covers diverse ecological work across the UK, with opportunities to contribute to tenders and business development.

You will conduct terrestrial ecology surveys, prepare PEARs and EcIAs, and support Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality reporting.

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 experience with PEARs, EcIAs 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

Field surveys

Report writing

Project management

Client liaison

Wildlife legislation

CIEEM membership

Driving licence

Teamwork

Travel willingness

Education

Relevant degree or postgraduate qualification

Tools

QGIS

Job description

Allen & York Ltd in Crawley is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead projects, build client relationships and mentor junior staff. The role covers diverse ecological work across the UK, with opportunities to contribute to tenders and business development.

You will conduct terrestrial ecology surveys, prepare PEARs and EcIAs, and support Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality reporting.