Senior, Principal, Associate and Senior Associate Ecologist

Job Title: Senior, Principal, Associate, and Senior Associate Ecologist

Salary: £45,000 to £60,000+ (dependent on experience and grade)

Location: London, Manchester, Altrincham, Norwich, Cambridge, Newcastle

Type: Permanent, hybrid



About the Role:



Our client is currently recruiting experienced ecologists across multiple grades to join their growing UK Ecology team. This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of nature-based solutions, biodiversity net gain, and sustainable infrastructure projects.



The successful candidates will join a dynamic, well-established ecology team embedded within a leading multidisciplinary consultancy. You will support or lead the delivery of ecological services across a wide range of sectors, including water, transport, energy, health, and nature recovery.



All roles are offered on a hybrid basis, with flexibility and work-life balance supported across regional offices.



About the Client:



Our client is a global, employee-owned consultancy delivering environmental, engineering, and development solutions with a strong focus on social and ecological outcomes. With a reputation for technical excellence and innovation, their ecology team works collaboratively across sectors to embed nature at the heart of infrastructure and community development.



They are committed to professional growth, equality, , and , and provide an agile working environment where individuals are supported to thrive personally and professionally.



Key Responsibilities:



Senior Ecologist:



Lead field surveys and ecological assessments

Deliver technical reports including EcIA, BNG, HRAs and mitigation strategies

Support licence applications for protected species

Mentor junior staff and support project delivery

Coordinate with internal and external project teams



Principal / Associate Ecologist:



Lead ecology workstreams on major infrastructure and development projects

Provide technical assurance and act as a checker/reviewer

Manage resources, budgets, and timelines across projects

Contribute to business development and bid submissions

Provide technical leadership on ecological topics and innovation



Senior Associate Ecologist:



Provide strategic leadership to regional ecology teams

Oversee staff development, performance, and recruitment planning

Represent the ecology function at business unit level

Lead on key client relationships and framework delivery

Drive quality, innovation, and consistency in ecological services



What Our Client is Looking For:



Essential (All Grades):



Degree in Ecology or a related environmental discipline

Significant experience in UK ecological consultancy (4+ years for Senior level)

Full membership of CIEEM

Chartered status, or working toward this (expected for Principal+ levels)

Strong technical report writing and reviewing capabilities

Ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and regulators

Demonstrated specialism in one or more areas (e.g. botany, protected species licensing, BNG)Desirable:



Postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD)

Project management experience, including resource and budget control

Business development and client relationship skills

Experience preparing bid submissions

Willingness to travel across the UK for site work and client meetings



Eligibility:



Our client is currently unable to offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route due to recent UK Government changes. Applications are welcome from candidates with an existing right to work in the UK that does not require future sponsorship.



Opportunity for Growth:



Whether you are stepping into your first senior-level role or seeking to expand your strategic influence at associate level, these positions offer clear career progression. You will work alongside some of the UK's leading ecologists within a supportive and ambitious team, with opportunities to develop your technical, project management, and leadership skills on nationally significant projects.



We are an equal opportunity employer and value in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of , , , , gender, , , marital status, veteran status, or status