Consultant Ecologist

Consultant Ecologist – Portsmouth Embankment Group is recruiting on behalf of an established ecological consultancy seeking to appoint a Consultant Ecologist to join their dynamic team in Portsmouth. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated ecologist to contribute to a variety of projects, combining fieldwork, technical reporting, client liaison, and project coordination.

Overview

As a Consultant Ecologist, you will play a key role in delivering professional ecological services across Hampshire, the surrounding counties, and regional project sites. This position offers a diverse workload, including ecological surveys, technical reporting, and the opportunity to work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan, manage, and deliver ecological services, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals.
• Produce high-quality technical ecological reports, such as impact assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Liaise with clients, project teams, and other professionals to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Assist in the preparation of European Protected Species Licence applications.
• Support senior ecologists with complex project work and deliverables.
• Coordinate surveys, field staff, and project schedules.
• Analyse technical ecological data, including bat acoustics, habitat mapping, and QGIS outputs.
• Lead and participate in field-based ecology and protected species surveys.
• Implement ecological mitigation measures and project recommendations.
• Conduct site visits using a company-provided vehicle or personal vehicle (mileage and business insurance covered).

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years’ experience as an ecologist.
• A relevant degree in ecology, environmental science, biological sciences, or a related field.
• Strong field skills, particularly in flora and fauna identification.
• Experience conducting protected species surveys.
• Proficiency in bat acoustic analysis, QGIS, or habitat mapping.
• Proven ability to produce technical reports, including impact assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Knowledge of European Protected Species Licences.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and teamwork skills.
• A positive attitude, self-discipline, and a genuine desire to learn and grow professionally.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable Experience:

• Holding protected species survey licences, particularly for bats.
• Experience coordinating field staff and survey programmes.
• Familiarity with supporting licence applications and mitigation strategies.

Day-to-Day

Your daily activities will include:

• Conducting ecological surveys and assessments.
• Preparing detailed technical reports and mitigation strategies.
• Coordinating fieldwork schedules and managing survey teams.
• Engaging with clients and project stakeholders to provide expert ecological advice.
• Supporting senior ecologists with complex projects and licence applications.
• Analysing ecological data and producing actionable insights.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practices in ecological consultancy.

Benefits

• Company-provided laptop.
• Regular in-house and external training opportunities to support professional development.
• Flexible working hours to promote work-life balance.
• Time off in lieu and overtime pay, including for bat surveys.
• Access to wellbeing support, including licensed counsellors, early mental health support, financial wellbeing advice, menopause support, manager coaching, and self-help resources.
• Enhanced family-friendly leave and pay policies.
• Regular social events to foster team collaboration and camaraderie.

If you are passionate about ecology and looking to advance your career in a supportive and professional environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join a team that values your expertise and offers a platform for growth and development.