Senior Ecologist

Embankment ·embankmentgroup.co.uk

Location Crawley, United Kingdom
Work type Hybrid
Salary GBP 38,000 - 43,000 / year
Type Full time
Level Senior
Source Shazamme
Ecology
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Senior Ecologist – South East Embankment Group is proud to support an esteemed environmental consultancy in their search for a Senior Ecologist to join their dynamic terrestrial ecology team in the South East. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced ecologist who thrives on a diverse workload, combining fieldwork, technical reporting, project management, and client engagement.

The successful candidate will work across a varied portfolio of projects throughout the South and South East, with a flexible working arrangement that includes site-based surveys, home working, and occasional time in a local office. This role offers a clear pathway for career progression, with opportunities to develop technical expertise and move towards a Principal Ecologist position.

Overview

This role is ideal for an experienced ecologist seeking to balance hands-on fieldwork with leadership responsibilities. You will take ownership of small to medium-sized ecological projects while contributing to more complex assessments alongside senior colleagues. The position also involves mentoring junior team members and supporting clients through the planning and development process.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Ecologist, your key responsibilities will include:

  • Leading habitat and protected species surveys across the South East.
  • Managing small to medium-scale ecological projects, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.
  • Preparing technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and protected species reports.
  • Supporting Environmental Statement chapters and complex ecological assessments.
  • Conducting UK Habitat Classification, habitat condition assessments, and Phase 1 habitat surveys.
  • Providing expert ecological advice to clients, project teams, and stakeholders.
  • Managing project budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Contributing to tenders, fee proposals, and other business development activities.
  • Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
  • Mentoring and supporting the technical development of junior ecologists.
  • Collaborating with the wider ecology team on larger, multidisciplinary projects.
Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

  • Proven experience in ecological consultancy or a similar professional environment.
  • A degree or postgraduate qualification in ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
  • Full or Associate membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to work towards this).
  • Strong botanical skills, including experience with UK Habitat Classification, condition assessments, or Phase 1 surveys.
  • Experience preparing PEA, EcIA, and protected species survey reports.
  • Demonstrated expertise in leading protected species surveys (e.g., bats, dormice, great crested newts, otters, water voles, or birds).
  • At least one protected species survey licence in England or Wales, or advanced botanical expertise (e.g., FISC Level 4 or above).
  • Comprehensive knowledge of UK ecology legislation, planning policy, and environmental guidance.
  • Experience managing projects, liaising with clients, and meeting deadlines.
  • A proven track record in contributing to bids, tenders, or fee proposals.
  • A full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel for fieldwork, including occasional overnight stays.
Day-to-Day

Your typical day may include:

  • Conducting field surveys to assess habitats and protected species.
  • Preparing detailed ecological reports and assessments.
  • Managing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
  • Liaising with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to provide expert ecological advice.
  • Mentoring and supporting junior team members in their professional development.
  • Collaborating with colleagues on complex, multidisciplinary projects.
  • Contributing to business development activities, including preparing tenders and fee proposals.
Benefits

The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative ecology team, with access to ongoing training and development opportunities to support long-term career progression. Additional benefits include:

  • Private medical insurance.
  • Access to mental health first aiders.
  • Income protection.
  • A comprehensive package designed to support your wellbeing and career development.

If you are an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in your career, this is an excellent opportunity to join a leading consultancy and make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental conservation.

Apply today to take the next step in your ecological career!

Frequently asked questions

Who is hiring for the Senior Ecologist role?
Embankment is hiring for the Senior Ecologist position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Senior Ecologist job located?
The Senior Ecologist role with Embankment is based in Crawley, GB. The role is hybrid-friendly.
Is the Senior Ecologist role remote?
Yes — the Senior Ecologist position at Embankment is hybrid. Candidates based in GB are preferred.
What does the Senior Ecologist role pay?
Embankment lists the Senior Ecologist role at GBP 38,000–43,000 per year.
Is the Senior Ecologist role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Embankment.
What experience level is the Senior Ecologist role?
The Senior Ecologist position is aimed at senior-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Senior Ecologist role at Embankment?
Apply directly on Embankment's career page via the Apply button on this listing. ZammeJobs links straight through to the employer's ATS — no third-party form, no resume database.
Apply direct