Senior / Principal Ecologist - Ecology by Design. Hybrid / Remote in B1, Birmingham, West Midla[...]

Energy Jobline CVL; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist to deliver ecological consultancy work and manage projects across the Home Counties, South and Midlands. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent training opportunities. If you have a genuine passion for ecology, strong technical skills, and a desire to shape consultancy culture, we want to hear from you.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Unlimited annual leave

Paid professional memberships

Excellent training and development

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation.
• Survey licence for at least one protected species.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead ecological consultancy work.
• Manage and deliver projects across specified regions.
• Contribute to business development activities.

Skills

Technical experience in habitat surveys

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Mentoring

Education

Degree in ecology-related discipline

Tools

GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Job description

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.

Company: Ecology by Design – CIEEM registered practice and certified “Great Place to Work”. Clients include English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savills, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead 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

• 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.


• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Desired

• 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: flexible mix of home and office base.


• Excellent training and development, including 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.


• Supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued.


• Chance to help shape a growing consultancy’s culture and direction.

Company Culture

We maintain a healthy, team‑oriented, 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, offering in‑house mental health support and encouraging appropriate leave. While quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting are core to our business, we also enjoy fun team events.

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, communities and the planet.