Ecologist / Senior Ecologist - Various locations across the UK - £35,000 - £45,000

Ecologist / Senior Ecologist
Ecologist / Senior Ecologist - Various locations across the UK - £35,000 - £45,000

The Job:
We are working on behalf of a number of well established and highly regarded ecological consultancies across the UK, offering both Ecologist and Senior Ecologist level opportunities. These positions provide the chance to work across a diverse project portfolio, supporting clients in delivering development and conservation objectives in line with current ecological legislation and best practice.
The role will involve a balance of fieldwork and office based responsibilities. You will undertake a range of ecological surveys while also contributing to project delivery through report writing, client liaison, and coordination of survey activities. At a more senior level, you will take on greater responsibility for project management, budgeting and mentoring junior team members.

Key Responsibilities
- Undertake ecological surveys, including habitat and protected species surveys
- Deliver Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs)
- Design and implement mitigation, compensation, and enhancement strategies
- Prepare technical reports, licence applications, and management plans
- Liaise with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies
- Coordinate survey programmes and manage project timelines
- Support or lead project delivery, including budget management
- Mentor and support junior staff, including reviewing technical outputs

The Candidate
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience within ecology (consultancy, local authority, or similar)
- Full membership of CIEEM
- Strong experience delivering ecological surveys and technical reports
- Experience managing projects and client relationships
- Knowledge of UK ecological legislation, policy, and best practice
- Understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
- At least one protected species licence
- Strong communication, organisational, and report-writing skills
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK
- Experience with UKHab habitat surveys
- Knowledge of DEFRA Biodiversity Metric (v3.1)
- Additional protected species licences (e.g. bats or dormouse)
- Experience securing development licences
- Practical qualifications (e.g. tree climbing, aerial rescue)

The Package
- Salary starting from £35,000 - £45,000 DOE 
- Flexible working arrangements (hybrid/home and office-based options)
- TOIL or paid overtime (dependent on employer)
- Ongoing training, development, and clear career progression opportunities

Please email your CV to Amber Read, Recruitment Delivery Consultant at ARead@agriRS.co.uk. 

Candidate Requirements
All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.

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About Agricultural Recruitment Specialists
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists is a market-leading, specialist recruitment partner connecting top talent with leading organisations across the agriculture, farming, food and fresh produce, horticulture, environmental, and rural sectors.

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