An established environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its growing team. This role offers a varied workload across infrastructure, construction, and development projects, combining fieldwork, technical leadership, and project delivery.
You’ll work closely with project managers and senior colleagues, acting as a technical lead on ecological matters while supporting junior team members and ensuring projects are delivered to a high professional standard.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver protected species surveys, including bats.
- Act as technical ecological lead across a range of projects.
- Undertake and manage Ecological Clerk of Works duties on site.
- Complete UKHab / Phase 1 surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
- Support the preparation of HRAs, mitigation licences, and EIA ecology inputs.
- Assist with project coordination from inception through to completion.
- Ensure compliance with ecological legislation, licences, and planning conditions.
- Review and guide the work of junior ecologists.
What You’ll Bring
- Degree in ecology or a related environmental discipline.
- Minimum 2-4 years’ UK experience in ecological consultancy or related sector.
- Bat licence holder (Level 1, working towards Level 2).
- Strong experience in protected species and habitat surveys.
- Sound understanding of the planning system, including BNG.
- Proven technical report writing and quality assurance skills.
- Confident communicator with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.
- Ability to manage workloads and coordinate surveys effectively.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and work survey hours.
Desirable:
- Membership of CIEEM (or working towards chartership).
- Experience producing protected species licences.
- Background in infrastructure, transport, or property development projects.
- Additional protected species licences (GCN, dormice, reptiles, barn owls).
- Experience with EIAs, HRAs, and GIS mapping.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Remote working and site visits.
- Company car or car allowance with mileage.
- Flexible working hours and hybrid arrangements.
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthday leave.
- Pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Why Apply?
This role offers the chance to step into a senior position within a supportive consultancy, delivering high-quality ecological services on diverse and meaningful projects. You’ll benefit from flexibility, strong career development, and the opportunity to make a real impact across the environmental sector.
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 sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com or 07458161399.
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