Senior to Principal Ecologist

Salary/Rate:£35,000 - £55,000 per annum + Healthcare, pension, holidays
Job Type:Hybrid
Contract Type:Perm
Town/City:Oxford
County:Oxfordshire
Sector:Land and Planning
Job ref:JN -032025-83463_1766501237
Post Date:23. 12. 2025
Scroll

Meet Our Recruiter

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

About the Role

Cobalt has an exciting opportunity for a dedicated ecology professional eager to grow with a young, ambitious company. The role involves managing a developing team and working on a range of ecology projects across the UK, primarily in the Home Counties, South, and Midlands. A company that values individuals who are passionate about ecology and looking to shape the future of a thriving business.

Our client offers a supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance, offering flexibility and opportunities to achieve personal and career objectives. Travel and occasional overnight stays are required due to the nature of project work, but with capped travel commitments to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and guide junior ecologists while managing projects.
  • Conduct habitat and protected species surveys, including Phase 1 or NVC/UK Habitats, and mitigation design and implementation.
  • Review and provide technical input on ecological reports.
  • Foster strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
  • Contribute to the continued growth and development of the consultancy.

Essential Skills and Experience:

  • A strong passion for ecology and environmental sustainability.
  • Experience managing or mentoring junior team members.
  • Survey licence for protected species (e.g., bats, newts) or specialist expertise in other taxa (e.g., botany, invertebrates).
  • Strong experience in habitat and protected species surveys.
  • Competence in designing and implementing mitigation strategies.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Full membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to achieve this).
  • Full driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable Skills:

  • Degree or equivalent in an ecology-related field.
  • Proficiency with QGIS or ArcGIS (training available).
  • Experience in sales/business development or a willingness to learn.
  • Knowledge and experience of EcIA, BREEAM, or biodiversity net gain.
  • Advanced knowledge in specific ecological fields (e.g., bats).
  • European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences or similar qualifications.

What We Offer:

  • Salary - £35,000 - £55,000 based on experience
  • Pension
  • Apple computer and iPhone for work use.
  • Paid professional memberships.
  • In-house and unlimited external training budget for continuous development.
  • Unlimited annual leave with flexible working arrangements.
  • A vibrant, innovative work environment that rewards hard work and dedication.

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.

More jobs from this recruiter

View All

Associate Planner

Manchester
Manchester
£50,000 - £60,000 per annum + Healthcare, pension, holidays
An exciting opportunity for as Associate Town Planner to join a growing planning consultancy and contribute to a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects across the UK. You'll be part of a collaborative and supportive team working on impactful projects from day one - from urban extensions to city-centre regeneration, residential, commercial and major renewables - and be a key voice in client strategy, planning submissions, and project leadership.

Senior Planner

Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
£30,000 - £45,000 per annum
A National Property Consultancy is looking for a Senior Planner to join their Edinburgh Planning Team. Although the office is based here, their projects span across the UK. They envisage growing the team by another 3 people over the next 12 months due to the quality and quantity of work they produce.

Associate Town Planner

Altrincham
Greater Manchester
£45,000 - £65,000 per annum
We're working with a well-established and respected planning consultancy based in the North West, now seeking an Associate Town Planner to join their growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a hands-on role in meaningful, design-led projects and contribute directly to shaping the future of planning in the region.

Planning Director - Manchester

Manchester
Manchester
Negotiable
A nationally respected company is seeking a Planning Director or Associate Director with a strong track record in retail, commercial and industrial planning to join its growing Manchester team. This is a senior hire with a clear focus: delivering strategic planning advice to one of the UK's most prominent and active developer clients.