Overview

Location: Derby office
Salary: £33,000 – £40,000 depending on experience

Contract Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Ecologist to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity for an ecologist with at least 4 years of professional experience to take a leading role in delivering high-quality ecological services across a range of projects. You will be involved in all aspects of project delivery, from initial scoping and fieldwork through to complex report writing and client liaison.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and deliver complex ecological reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
  • Support and manage the development and submission of European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences and other relevant permits.
  • Manage strategic ecological input on a range of projects, including multi-disciplinary schemes alongside our inhouse team of Landscape architects, Arboricultural, Drainage and Heritage consultants.
  • Undertake and oversee ecological surveys, data analysis, and interpretation.
  • Mentor and support junior staff, leading a small team of consultants within the wider Ecology department.
  • Contribute to quoting, tendering, and proposal writing.
  • Maintain strong working knowledge of UK and European wildlife legislation and planning policy.
  • Liaise with clients, statutory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure high standards of service and compliance.

Essential Requirements

  • Minimum of 4 years’ professional experience in ecological consultancy or a related field.
  • Proven ability in technical report writing, including BNG and mitigation licensing.
  • Demonstrated project management experience, with a focus on client liaison.
  • Hold at least one protected species survey licence (e.g., bat, great crested newt, dormouse).
  • Associate or Full membership of CIEEM – or working towards this.
  • Strong knowledge of UK ecology, legislation, and planning policy.

Desirable Skills

  • Staff management or mentoring experience.
  • Proficiency in GIS or other mapping software.
  • Full UK (manual) driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork as required – with access to a fleet of brand-new company cars provided.

What We Offer

  • A supportive and flexible working environment, including TOIL, extended holiday and company bank holidays!
  • Ongoing training and CPD opportunities with a strong existing management structure to support career development.
  • A chance to contribute meaningfully to diverse, high-profile projects.
  • Length of service reward package including private healthcare, additional leave and personalised gifts.
  • A welcoming office in a stunning rural location in the Derbyshire countryside

If you would like to apply for this role, please click the ‘Apply Here’ below and send over your CV and covering letter.

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