Senior / Principal Ecologist - Ecology By Design. Hybrid / Remote

RecruitmentRevolution.com; Chalgrove; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An ecological consultancy is seeking a Senior Ecologist to drive ecological consultancy projects and mentor junior staff. The role involves conducting surveys, leading projects, and ensuring quality outcomes for clients while promoting biodiversity. Candidates should have technical ecology experience, communication skills, and a full UK driving license. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible working conditions, and a supportive culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Unlimited annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Paid professional memberships

Qualifications

• Experience in habitat/species surveys and relevant ecological assessments.
• Survey license for at least one protected species.
• Full UK driving license and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ecological consultancy work including habitat surveys and EcIAs.
• Manage and deliver projects ensuring client-focused outcomes.
• Support and mentor colleagues.

Skills

Passion for ecology and environmental conservation

Strong technical experience in habitat surveys

Strong communication and organizational skills

Education

Degree in an ecology-related discipline

Tools

GIS (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Job description

Building Biodiversity Better

Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology.

At Ecology by Design, we're redefining what it means to be an ecological consultant - blending scientific rigour with creativity, innovation, and a genuine commitment to restoring nature.

Here, your expertise isn't boxed in by bureaucracy or lost in endless process. It drives real-world change.

If you're a Senior or Principal Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. You'll join a passionate, forward-thinking team where autonomy, trust and technical excellence go hand in hand — and where your ideas shape landscapes, policy, and the next generation of ecological practice.

This isn't just another consultancy role, it's a chance to be part of a movement that puts biodiversity, innovation, and people at the heart of everything we do.

We are Ecology by Design.

The Role at a Glance

Ecologist (Senior / Principal Level)

Location: Inviting candidates from c100 mile radius of Oxford / Chalgrove

Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise

Plus Benefits

Contract: Full-time, Permanent - Part-time and flexible working considered

Pedigree: CIEEM Registered Practice. Certified “Great Place to Work

Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savils, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

Why Join Us?

Since our launch in 2015, we've grown steadily and earned a reputation for technical excellence, pragmatic advice, and client-friendly service. As part of our team, you'll help deliver innovative, evidence-based ecological insights that support sustainable development and biodiversity protection.

Our vision is to ensure biodiversity is protected and prioritised across developments.

We work alongside our clients balancing the need for housing, infrastructure and secure energy provision while prioritising people and wildlife in the wider landscape.

Company Values:

• We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• We are flexible and innovative, but we don't compromise on quality
• We implement evidence-based, best-practice survey methods and mitigation
• Team members are challenged to grow and develop their talents/expertise

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work - including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, and mitigation design
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South, and Midlands, ensuring high-quality, client-focused outcomes
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards across the team
• Support, mentor, and guide colleagues (depending on experience level)
• Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy

About You:

Essential:

• A genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation
• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys
• Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g. bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required

Desirable:

• Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM, or related ecological assessments
• Experience of mentoring or line management (particularly for Principal-level candidates)
• GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS - training available)
• CIEEM membership (or eligibility)
• Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology-related discipline
• Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g. Bat Low Impact, Badger)
• Experience or interest in client development and consultancy growth

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working: a flexible mix of home and office base
• Excellent training and development, including an unlimited external training budget and in-house learning
• Paid professional memberships (e.g. CIEEM)
• Apple computer and iPhone provided
• Generous pension scheme
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance
• A supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued
• A chance to help shape a growing consultancy's culture and direction

Company Culture:

We maintain a healthy, team orientated, supportive culture. Communication is key to all that we do, both with clients and across the company.

We prioritise the health and well-being of our staff. From encouraging people to take appropriate leave throughout projects and having in-house mental health support, keeping our team safe, healthy and feeling valued are all part of our company ethos. Whilst quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting is core to our business, we like to have fun too.

If you're an ecologist looking to progress your career and make a tangible difference - whether stepping into senior responsibility or leading projects at a principal level - we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and join a values-driven consultancy where your work truly matters - to our clients, our communities, and the planet.

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