Senior Ecologist
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
Whether you're looking to take the next step in your ecology career or you're already operating at Senior level, you'll join a collaborative team working on a varied portfolio of projects with excellent opportunities for technical development, project responsibility and long-term career progression.
This role offers a blend of fieldwork, technical reporting, project management and client interaction, with flexibility to work remotely, on-site and alongside experienced ecological specialists.
The Role
- Undertaking protected species and habitat surveys.
- Delivering UKHab surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, including metric calculations.
- Acting as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) and supporting environmental compliance on sit.e
- Managing ecological projects from survey through to delivery.
- Preparing and reviewing technical reports including PEAs, EcIAs, HRA screening, protected species licence applications and habitat assessments.
- Supporting project management, programme delivery and commercial performance.
- Producing habitat maps and spatial analysis using GIS software..
- Building strong relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders.
- Supporting tender submissions and project proposals.
- Mentoring junior ecologists and providing technical guidance (Senior level).
About You
- A degree in Ecology or a related environmental discipline.
- 4+ years' consultancy experience.
- Experience delivering protected species surveys, habitat surveys and ecological reporting.
- Good knowledge of UKHab, Biodiversity Net Gain and UK ecological legislation.
- Experience acting as an ECoW and delivering site-based work.
- Membership of CIEEM (or working towards).
- Ideally at least one protected species licence or working towards (bat, dormouse or similar desirable), with additional licences advantageous.
- Experience using GIS software such as QGIS.
- Excellent organisational, communication and project management skills.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight stays.
Desirable Experience
- Ecological consultancy experience across infrastructure, highways, rail, utilities or property projects.
- Experience preparing EcIAs, HRAs and protected species licence applications.
- Strong understanding of planning processes and environmental legislation.
- Experience liaising with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
- Knowledge of digital data collection tools and bat analysis software.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Company vehicle or car allowance.
- Remote working arrangements.
- Ongoing training, mentoring and professional development.
- Support towards protected species licences and CIEEM progression.
- 25 days annual leave, plus birthday leave and bank holidays.
- Clear opportunities for career progression.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking consultancy that genuinely invests in its people. You'll work on a diverse range of high-profile projects, gain exposure to all stages of project delivery and have the support to progress your career-whether you're looking to develop into a Senior Ecologist or further enhance your technical and leadership experience.
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.
