Senior Ecologist

Salary: £35,000 – £50,000
Location: Guildford, Surrey
Job Reference: 56573

The Opportunity

We are working with a growing, multidisciplinary environmental consultancy looking to appoint a Senior Ecologist to join its established ecology team in Guildford.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecological consultant looking to take on greater responsibility in project delivery, technical assessments and client management, while continuing to develop their specialist ecological expertise.

The successful candidate will work across a diverse portfolio of projects, delivering ecological surveys, assessments and mitigation strategies for a range of development and infrastructure schemes.

The role offers a combination of technical project work, fieldwork, client engagement and team leadership, with opportunities to collaborate with specialists across ecology, hydrology, GIS, habitat management and wider environmental disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a variety of ecological projects, ensuring successful delivery within agreed timescales and budgets.

• Undertake and oversee ecological surveys, protected species assessments and habitat investigations.

• Prepare and review technical reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) and European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) applications.

• Provide technical ecological advice to clients throughout the planning and development process.

• Manage client relationships, maintaining regular communication and providing practical solutions to ecological challenges.

• Act as a technical lead on projects, supporting and mentoring junior members of the ecology team.

• Coordinate ecological fieldwork and oversee survey teams to ensure high-quality data collection and reporting.

• Develop and implement ecological mitigation, compensation and enhancement strategies.

• Manage project budgets, workloads and resources to ensure efficient delivery.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across other environmental disciplines.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of ecological legislation, planning policy and industry guidance.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Ecologist with a strong technical background and the confidence to manage projects, advise clients and support the development of junior colleagues.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience working within ecological or environmental consultancy.

• A relevant degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or a related discipline.

• Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and survey methodologies.

• Experience managing ecological projects from initial survey through to reporting and mitigation.

• Advanced field survey skills in one or more ecological specialisms.

• At least one protected species survey licence.

• Experience preparing and reviewing ecological reports and assessments.

• Experience working with clients and developing positive professional relationships.

• Good organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing project deadlines and budgets.

• Strong communication skills and a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving.

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance.

Experience preparing EPSL applications, EcIA chapters or Habitats Regulations Assessments would be particularly beneficial.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary of £35,000 – £50,000, depending on experience.

• 25 days' annual leave.

• Healthcare cash plan.

• Enhanced pension scheme.

• Life insurance.

• Discounted gym membership.

• Paid professional memberships.

• Clothing allowance.

• Performance-related rewards and long-service awards.

• Free parking.

• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive approach to work-life balance.

• Access to industry-accredited external training and specialist-led internal development.

• Opportunities to work on complex, high-profile environmental projects.

• Career progression within a growing multidisciplinary consultancy.

• Regular team social events and involvement in charitable and community initiatives.

Interested?

If you're a Senior Ecologist looking for your next opportunity in Guildford, we'd be keen to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Embankment Group or apply with your CV, quoting Job Reference 56573.

Embankment Group – Specialist Ecology & Environmental Recruitment