Principal Ecologist - Ecology By Design

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

Job summary

An ecological consultancy in Chalgrove is seeking an experienced Ecologist at Senior/Principal Level. The role involves delivering ecological consultancy work, managing projects, and mentoring colleagues. We require a strong passion for ecology, technical experience in surveys, and excellent organizational skills. This full-time, permanent position allows flexibility in work hours. Candidates should have a valid UK driving licence and a commitment to environmental conservation.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Unlimited holidays

Dog-friendly office

Qualifications

• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys.
• Survey licence for at least one protected species or specialist expertise in another ecological field.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and lead a range of ecological consultancy work.
• Manage and deliver projects ensuring client-focused outcomes.
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports.
• Mentor and guide colleagues based on experience level.
• Contribute to business development activities.

Skills

Passion for ecology and environmental conservation

Strong technical experience in habitat surveys

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Job description

Building Biodiversity Better

The Role at a Glance

• Ecologist (Senior / Principal Level)
• Location: Inviting candidates from c100 mile radius of Oxford / Chalgrove
• Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise
• 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 Ecology by Design

At Ecology by Design, we’re not your typical corporate consultancy – we’re an independent, people‑first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity. Forget timesheets, clock‑watching, and rigid hierarchies. Here, you manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them. Our offices are dog‑friendly, relaxed, and full of energy, and we celebrate diversity in all its forms.

We aim to

• Drive positive change to how people live with, work in, and value the environment
• Achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• Have a constant drive for quality and client satisfaction

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