Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Your new company
My client is a well-established ecological consultancy that has recently strengthened its position by joining a leading UK environmental and engineering group. They offer a comprehensive range of ecological and habitat services, working across projects including PEA, BNG, habitat creation, species mitigation, and monitoring.
With a growing and collaborative team, they pride themselves on delivering pragmatic, high-quality ecological solutions while maintaining a strong client-focused approach.
Your new role
As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you will take a leading role in the delivery of ecological services across a diverse project portfolio. You will manage projects from conception through to completion, providing technical leadership while maintaining strong client relationships.
Your role will include:
- Planning, managing, and delivering ecological projects and surveys
- Leading protected species and habitat surveys, including complex project work
- Producing and reviewing technical reports (PEAs, EcIAs, mitigation strategies, licence applications)
- Managing project budgets, timelines, and resources
- Acting as a key point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and regulators
- Supporting and overseeing junior team members, including mentoring and technical review
- Coordinating fieldwork and survey programmes
- Supporting business development, including tendering and client relationship management
The role offers a blend of office, home, and field-based work, with flexibility built into the working pattern.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A relevant degree in Ecology or a related discipline
- Significant experience within ecological consultancy, with the ability to manage your own projects and clients
- Strong field skills, including protected species and habitat identification
- Proven experience producing and reviewing technical reports and impact assessments
- Experience in project management, including coordination of surveys and staff
- Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
- A full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Protected species licences (e.g. bats, dormouse, great crested newts)
- Experience with EPS licence applications and mitigation strategies
- Knowledge of BNG and ecological legislation, botanical skills
- GIS experience (e.g. QGIS) and bat sound analysis
- Membership of CIEEM
What you'll get in return
In return, my client offers a competitive and supportive package, including:
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience and level): Senior – £37,000 – £45,000, Principal – £45,000 – £55,000.
- Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements
- Overtime pay (including standard overtime payment for bat surveys)
- Time off in lieu
- Company benefits package including wellbeing support and Medicash
- Pension scheme
- Holiday starting at 29 days per year including bank holidays, increasing with tenure
- Training (internal and external) and clear career development opportunities
- Regular social events and a supportive team culture
- Access to company pool vehicles where required
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
To apply for this job please visit www.reed.co.uk.
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