Senior Ecologist

James and Partners; City of Norwich (NY); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible salary

Job summary

James and Partners in Norwich, East Anglia, is seeking an Ecologist at Senior/Principal level to join its in-house Ecology & Environmental team. Hybrid working arrangement. The role covers PEAs, protected species surveys, ECoW duties, BNG assessments, and landscape recovery.

You will work on diverse projects across biodiversity and land recovery, mentor junior team members, and liaise with landowners and planners while ensuring compliance with wildlife legislation and planning policy.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Experience in ecological consultancy and reporting.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake PEAs, UKHab surveys and protected species surveys.
• Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and habitat banking support.
• Produce high-quality ecological reports and documentation.
• Manage projects and coordinate survey programmes.
• Liaise with clients, landowners, planners and multidisciplinary teams.
• Support mitigation, habitat enhancement and restoration initiatives.
• Assist Ecological Clerk of Works duties where required.
• Mentor junior team members (Senior/Principal).
• Use GIS/QGIS to map habitats and support assessments.
• Ensure delivery aligns with wildlife law and planning policy.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Survey reporting

GIS

UK wildlife legislation

Driving licence

CIEEM membership

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

GIS/QGIS

Job description

Senior Ecologist / Principal Ecologist / Ecologist

Norwich | East Anglia | Hybrid Working

An established and highly regarded multi-disciplinary environmental and rural consultancy is looking to appoint an Ecologist, Senior Ecologist or Principal Ecologist to join its growing in-house Ecology & Environmental team in East Anglia.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking consultancy delivering a broad portfolio of ecology, biodiversity and land recovery projects across the region. The team is continuing to expand in response to growing demand around Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), habitat banking, landscape recovery and environmental planning.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across a diverse range of projects including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), protected species surveys, Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), habitat management planning, BNG assessments and wider ecological consultancy services.

The business is flexible on level and welcomes applications from experienced Ecologists through to Senior and Principal level candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), UKHab surveys and protected species surveys
• Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and supporting habitat banking and landscape recovery projects
• Producing high-quality technical reports and ecological documentation
• Managing projects and coordinating survey programmes
• Liaising with clients, landowners, planners, contractors and multidisciplinary teams
• Supporting ecological mitigation, habitat enhancement and restoration initiatives
• Undertaking Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) duties where required
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members (Senior/Principal level)
• Using GIS/QGIS to support habitat mapping and ecological assessments
• Ensuring projects are delivered in line with current wildlife legislation, planning policy and best practice guidance

Candidate Requirements

• Degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
• Experience within ecological consultancy
• Strong report writing and communication skills
• Experience with PEAs, habitat surveys and protected species work
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy
• Membership of CIEEM or eligibility to apply
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Experience

• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
• UKHab surveys and habitat condition assessments
• GIS/QGIS experience
• Protected species licences
• FISC accreditation
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) experience
• River restoration, freshwater ecology or habitat banking experience

Why Apply?

• Excellent opportunity to join a growing ecology function with genuine progression opportunities
• Diverse project portfolio across ecology, biodiversity and natural capital
• Flexible level of appointment depending on experience
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Hybrid working model
• Flexible basic salary available for the right candidate