Senior Ecologist

Salary/Rate:Healthcare, pension, holidays
Job Type:Hybrid
Contract Type:Perm
Town/City:London
County:London
Sector:Land and Planning
Job ref:JN -082026-85656_1787322478
Post Date:21. 08. 2026
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Meet Our Recruiter

Sue Greeff
Sue Greeff
Candidate Manager - Residential development, town planning, infrastructure and renewables

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a growing, multidisciplinary environmental and sustainability consultancy in London. You'll become part of a collaborative ecology and biodiversity team working across a varied portfolio of development and planning projects, with a strong focus on Biodiversity Net Gain, ecological assessment and nature-positive development.

The Role

You'll take responsibility for delivering ecology and biodiversity projects from inception through to completion, while providing technical expertise to clients and wider multidisciplinary teams.

Your work will include:

  • Leading and delivering ecology and biodiversity projects.
  • Preparing and technically reviewing PEAs, BNG Assessments, BREEAM Ecology reports and protected species reports.
  • Undertaking UKHab, PEA, bat and protected species surveys.
  • Completing BNG calculations using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
  • Producing habitat and BNG mapping using QGIS.
  • Designing and leading moderate-complexity bat and protected species surveys.
  • Attending client meetings and providing ecological advice throughout the planning process.
  • Supporting, mentoring and line managing junior ecologists.
  • Contributing to larger multidisciplinary sustainability and development projects.

About You

Ideally, you'll bring:

  • Strong consultancy experience within ecology and biodiversity.
  • Good knowledge of BNG, UKHab and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
  • Confidence using QGIS to produce high-quality habitat and survey mapping.
  • Experience independently undertaking PEAs and habitat surveys.
  • Experience designing and leading bat and/or other protected species surveys.
  • Good botanical identification skills, ideally around FISC Level 3.
  • Experience with BREEAM Ecology, EcIA, HRA or another specialist ecological discipline.
  • A relevant degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science or similar.
  • CIEEM membership, ideally at Full Member level.
  • Strong report writing, project management and client-facing skills.

Protected species licences would be advantageous but are not essential.

Why Consider It?

This is a great opportunity for someone looking for more than just another consultancy position. You'll join a supportive and forward-thinking team where you can develop technically, take greater ownership of projects and help shape the development of junior ecologists.

The package includes:

  • Competitive salary + potential discretionary bonus.
  • Hybrid working from London.
  • 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
  • Enhanced pension contributions.
  • Excellent training and professional development.
  • Opportunities to contribute to industry best practice.
  • Enhanced family policies.
  • Two volunteering days each year.
  • Option to work abroad for a set period each year.
  • Health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits.
  • Regular team socials.

If you're an experienced Ecologist looking to progress your career within a collaborative consultancy where BNG, biodiversity enhancement and professional development are genuinely valued, I'd love to hear from you.

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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