Associate Ecologist

Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Associate Ecologist to join their growing Ecology team, based in either Bristol or Cardiff, with hybrid working available. This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in delivering ecological inputs across a diverse range of projects, including renewable energy, energy infrastructure, built environment, and residential development.

As part of a well-established ecology team operating across the UK and Ireland, you will support project delivery, mentor colleagues, and contribute to technical excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your ecological expertise and specialism – such as habitat survey, protected species, or ornithology – across a varied project portfolio.

Responsibilities

As an Associate Ecologist, you will:

• Manage ecological inputs to development and land management projects across renewables, built environment, infrastructure, and minerals.
• Design post-consent habitat management and monitoring strategies.
• Prepare fee proposals, scopes of work, and technical reports, while reviewing outputs from peers and subcontractors.
• Supervise and mentor members of the ecology team.
• Schedule and oversee complex ecological survey programmes, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
• Collaborate with in-house specialists in planning, landscape, hydrology, noise, and air quality.
• Support business development and identify opportunities to grow ecological services.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strong field survey skills, including UK habitat surveying and protected species survey and mitigation design.
• Demonstrable project management experience, including health and safety planning, budgeting, and technical reporting.
• Experience producing ecology chapters for Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) / Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and contributing to Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Experience designing ecological enhancement measures early in project development.
• Proven experience delivering and managing projects within a consultancy environment.
• Sector experience in renewables, infrastructure, built environment, or minerals.
• A relevant degree and appropriate professional membership (e.g., CIEEM).
• A full UK driving licence.

Day-to-Day

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing ecological aspects of diverse projects.
• Conducting and overseeing field surveys, ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis.
• Preparing detailed technical reports and ecological assessments.
• Mentoring and supporting junior team members to develop their skills and expertise.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Engaging with clients and stakeholders to provide expert ecological advice.
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities to expand ecological services and capabilities.

Benefits

Our client offers excellent opportunities for career progression within a global sustainability consultancy, alongside:

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Company pension, healthcare, life assurance, and travel insurance.
• 25 days of annual leave, plus flexible bank holidays.
• Hybrid and agile working options to support work-life balance.
• Structured development and regular career reviews.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture.

If you are a passionate and experienced ecologist looking to make a meaningful impact across a range of exciting projects, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity. Join a dynamic team and contribute to shaping a sustainable future.