Senior, Principal, Associate and Senior Associate Ecologist

Advance TRS; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multidisciplinary consultancy is seeking experienced ecologists at various grades to join their UK Ecology team. Successful candidates will contribute to diverse projects in sustainability, support junior staff, and lead technical workstreams. The roles offer hybrid working flexibility and a commitment to professional growth and diversity.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in UK ecological consultancy (4+ years for Senior level).
• Full membership of CIEEM.
• Chartered status or working toward this.

Responsibilities

• Lead field surveys and deliver technical reports.
• Manage resources and budgets across projects.
• Provide strategic leadership to regional ecology teams.

Skills

Technical report writing

Communication

Specialism in botany

Project management

Education

Degree in Ecology or related environmental discipline

Postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD)

Job description

Job Title: Senior, Principal, Associate, and Senior Associate Ecologist
Salary: £45,000 to £60,000+ (dependent on experience and grade)
Location: London, Manchester, Altrincham, Norwich, Cambridge, Newcastle
Type: Permanent, hybrid

About the Role:

Our client is currently recruiting experienced ecologists across multiple grades to join their growing UK Ecology team. This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of nature-based solutions, biodiversity net gain, and sustainable infrastructure projects.

The successful candidates will join a dynamic, well-established ecology team embedded within a leading multidisciplinary consultancy. You will support or lead the delivery of ecological services across a wide range of sectors, including water, transport, energy, health, and nature recovery.

All roles are offered on a hybrid basis, with flexibility and work-life balance supported across regional offices.

About the Client:

Our client is a global, employee-owned consultancy delivering environmental, engineering, and development solutions with a strong focus on social and ecological outcomes. With a reputation for technical excellence and innovation, their ecology team works collaboratively across sectors to embed nature at the heart of infrastructure and community development.

They are committed to professional growth, equality, diversity, and inclusion, and provide an agile working environment where individuals are supported to thrive personally and professionally.

Key Responsibilities:



Senior Ecologist:

• Lead field surveys and ecological assessments
• Deliver technical reports including EcIA, BNG, HRAs and mitigation strategies
• Support licence applications for protected species
• Mentor junior staff and support project delivery
• Coordinate with internal and external project teams

Principal / Associate Ecologist:

• Lead ecology workstreams on major infrastructure and development projects
• Provide technical assurance and act as a checker/reviewer
• Manage resources, budgets, and timelines across projects
• Contribute to business development and bid submissions
• Provide technical leadership on ecological topics and innovation

Senior Associate Ecologist:

• Provide strategic leadership to regional ecology teams
• Oversee staff development, performance, and recruitment planning
• Represent the ecology function at business unit level
• Lead on key client relationships and framework delivery
• Drive quality, innovation, and consistency in ecological services

What Our Client is Looking For:

Essential (All Grades):

• Degree in Ecology or a related environmental discipline
• Significant experience in UK ecological consultancy (4+ years for Senior level)
• Full membership of CIEEM
• Chartered status, or working toward this (expected for Principal+ levels)
• Strong technical report writing and reviewing capabilities
• Ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and regulators
• Demonstrated specialism in one or more areas (e.g. botany, protected species licensing, BNG)

Desirable:

• Postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD)
• Project management experience, including resource and budget control
• Business development and client relationship skills
• Experience preparing bid submissions
• Willingness to travel across the UK for site work and client meetings

Eligibility:

Our client is currently unable to offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route due to recent UK Government changes. Applications are welcome from candidates with an existing right to work in the UK that does not require future sponsorship.

Opportunity for Growth:

Whether you are stepping into your first senior-level role or seeking to expand your strategic influence at associate level, these positions offer clear career progression. You will work alongside some of the UK's leading ecologists within a supportive and ambitious team, with opportunities to develop your technical, project management, and leadership skills on nationally significant projects.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.