Location:
Oxford, (Hybrid Working)
Salary:
£35,000 – £45,000 per annum
Job Type:
Permanent, Full-Time
The Opportunity
We are recruiting for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join a growing and well-established ecological consultancy based in Oxfordshire. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious ecologist looking to take greater ownership of projects, develop their technical expertise and progress their career within a supportive and forward-thinking team.
Our client delivers high-quality ecological consultancy services across a diverse range of sectors, working on projects throughout the UK, particularly across the South of England, Home Counties and Midlands.
The successful candidate will benefit from a high level of autonomy, managing projects from initial quotation through to completion, alongside opportunities to specialise in areas of ecological interest.
With flexible hybrid working, excellent professional development opportunities and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, this position offers an exciting next step for an experienced consultant.
Key Responsibilities
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Manage ecological projects from initial enquiry and quotation through to delivery and invoicing.
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Undertake Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), UKHab surveys and habitat condition assessments.
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Conduct and coordinate protected species surveys, including bats, great crested newts, dormice and other priority species.
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Prepare high-quality ecological reports, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
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Design ecological surveys, prepare fee proposals and contribute to tenders.
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Prepare and support applications for European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences.
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Lead field surveys, supervise junior ecologists and provide technical guidance.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and project teams.
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Contribute to the continued growth and development of the ecology team.
About You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and technically capable Senior Ecologist who enjoys delivering high-quality ecological work and taking ownership of projects.
Essential Requirements:
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Demonstrable experience working within ecological consultancy.
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Strong knowledge of UKHab assessments and protected species surveys.
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Hold at least one protected species survey licence, such as bats, great crested newts or dormice.
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Experience managing ecological projects and leading field survey teams.
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Excellent ecological report writing and communication skills.
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Experience preparing or securing protected species mitigation licences.
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Confidence designing ecological surveys, preparing quotations and managing client expectations.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
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Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
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Willingness to travel to project sites, including occasional overnight stays.
Desirable Experience:
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Membership of CIEEM or eligibility for membership.
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Degree or equivalent qualification in Ecology or a related discipline.
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Specialist expertise in bats, dormice, great crested newts or other protected species.
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Experience using QGIS or ArcGIS.
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Experience mentoring or line managing junior ecologists.
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Commercial awareness, business development or networking experience.
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Experience securing EPSM licences.
Salary & Benefits
Our client offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package designed to support professional development and work-life balance.
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Salary of £35,000 – £45,000, depending on experience.
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Hybrid working with flexible arrangements.
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Unlimited annual leave.
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Generous pension scheme.
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Unlimited in-house and external training budget.
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Paid professional memberships.
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Company-provided Apple laptop and iPhone.
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Colleague-nominated bonus scheme.
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Opportunities for rapid career progression.
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Supportive and collaborative working environment.
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Opportunities to develop specialist ecological expertise.
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A commitment to managing overnight stays and unsociable working hours.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join an ambitious and expanding ecological consultancy where your contribution will be genuinely valued.
Whether you want to strengthen your project management skills, develop a specialist ecological niche or work towards a more senior leadership position, you'll have the flexibility, support and autonomy to shape your career.
Apply Now
If you're an experienced Ecologist looking for your next career move in Oxfordshire, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Embankment Group for a confidential discussion or submit your CV to find out more about this opportunity.
All enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence.
