A growing environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its expanding team. Working across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, utilities and development projects, you will play a key role in delivering technical ecological services, managing projects, and supporting the development of junior team members.
This role offers a balance of fieldwork, project management, technical reporting and stakeholder engagement, providing excellent opportunities for career progression within a collaborative and supportive environment.
The Role
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and managing protected species surveys and ecological fieldwork
- Acting as the technical ecology lead on a variety of projects from inception through to delivery
- Undertaking UKHab surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, including metric calculations
- Acting as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) and overseeing environmental compliance on site
- Producing and reviewing technical reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) and protected species licence applications
- Supporting project management, programme delivery and commercial performance
- Mentoring junior ecologists and undertaking technical review of reports and survey outputs
- Building strong relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders
About You
- Degree qualified in Ecology or a related environmental discipline
- Minimum 4 years’ ecological consultancy or relevant sector experience
- Holder of protected species licences, including dormouse and bat licences
- Full or Associate CIEEM membership, ideally working towards chartership
- Strong understanding of ecology, environmental legislation, planning processes and Biodiversity Net Gain
- Experience managing surveys, projects and technical report production
- Competent user of bat analysis software and GIS mapping tools
- Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight stays
Desirable Experience
- Additional protected species licences (e.g. GCN, reptiles, badger)
- Experience delivering projects within highways, rail or development sectors
- Experience preparing licence applications and environmental assessments
- Knowledge of HRA, EcIA and wider environmental reporting processes
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive depending on experience
- Company vehicle or car allowance
- Pension scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- Ongoing training and professional development support
- 25 days annual leave plus birthday leave and bank holidays
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take on greater project responsibility while developing leadership and technical expertise within a growing consultancy. You’ll enjoy varied project work, strong support for career development and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to a diverse range of environmental projects.
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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