Senior to Principal Ecologist

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive ecology consultancy based in the United Kingdom seeks a dedicated ecology professional to manage a developing team and lead various ecology projects. The successful candidate will have a passion for environmental sustainability and experience in mentoring junior staff. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, the role includes competitive salary, unlimited training budget, and innovative work culture. Occasional travel required, with flexibility to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Benefits

Salary £35,000 - £55,000 based on experience

Pension

Apple computer and iPhone for work use

Paid professional memberships

Unlimited annual leave with flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Strong experience in managing or mentoring junior team members.
• Competence in designing and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Full driving licence and access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide junior ecologists while managing projects.
• Conduct habitat and protected species surveys, including Phase 1 or NVC/UK Habitats.
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of the consultancy.

Skills

Passion for ecology and environmental sustainability

Experience managing or mentoring junior team members

Survey licence for protected species

Strong experience in habitat and protected species surveys

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Education

Degree or equivalent in an ecology-related field

Full membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to achieve this)

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Job description

Cobalt has an exciting opportunity for a dedicated ecology professional eager to grow with a young, ambitious company. The role involves managing a developing team and working on a range of ecology projects across the UK, primarily in the Home Counties, South, and Midlands. A company that values individuals who are passionate about ecology and looking to shape the future of a thriving business.

Our client offers a supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance, offering flexibility and opportunities to achieve personal and career objectives. Travel and occasional overnight stays are required due to the nature of project work, but with capped travel commitments to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and guide junior ecologists while managing projects.
• Conduct habitat and protected species surveys, including Phase 1 or NVC/UK Habitats, and mitigation design and implementation.
• Review and provide technical input on ecological reports.
• Foster strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continued growth and development of the consultancy.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A strong passion for ecology and environmental sustainability.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior team members.
• Survey licence for protected species (e.g., bats, newts) or specialist expertise in other taxa (e.g., botany, invertebrates).
• Strong experience in habitat and protected species surveys.
• Competence in designing and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Full membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to achieve this).
• Full driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable Skills

• Degree or equivalent in an ecology-related field.
• Proficiency with QGIS or ArcGIS (training available).
• Experience in sales/business development or a willingness to learn.
• Knowledge and experience of EcIA, BREEAM, or biodiversity net gain.
• Advanced knowledge in specific ecological fields (e.g., bats).
• European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences or similar qualifications.

What We Offer

• Salary - £35,000 - £55,000 based on experience
• Pension
• Apple computer and iPhone for work use.
• Paid professional memberships.
• In-house and unlimited external training budget for continuous development.
• Unlimited annual leave with flexible working arrangements.
• A vibrant, innovative work environment that rewards hard work and dedication.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via [e-mail] or 07458161399.