Overview

Location: Warboys, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
Hybrid working available, with a focus on projects in the East of England
Salary: £34,100 – £41,000 (depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time, permanent (part-time considered)

Ready to step up and make a real difference in ecological consultancy?
We’re seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join Greenwillows Associates Ltd, managing a wide range of projects, guiding junior team members, and contributing to exciting conservation-focused work across the East of England.

About Us

Established in 2001, Greenwillows Associates Ltd is a multidisciplinary ecological consultancy dedicated to balancing nature conservation with client needs.

Operating across Central and Eastern England, our projects range from ecological surveys and arboricultural services to practical habitat creation and management. We maintain a strong conservation ethos, selecting projects that reflect our values — from nightingale habitat restoration to infrastructure and rewilding schemes.

Why Join Us?

  • Flexible, supportive working culture – family-friendly and inclusive with a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing.

  • Competitive salary – with regular reviews and clear pathways for promotion.

  • Collaborative and valued team environment – your expertise and input matter.

  • Annual training budget & CPD support, including:

    • Paid CIEEM membership

    • Survey licences

    • In-house and external botany training

    • Structured career development

  • Diverse local project portfolio – minimising travel and encouraging specialist development.

  • Forward-thinking team – we continually seek new opportunities to grow our services and inspire our staff.

Your Role

As a Senior Ecologist, you will lead projects, provide technical expertise, support junior colleagues, and maintain high standards across survey, reporting, and client liaison activities.

Key responsibilities:

  • Act as lead ecologist on complex projects.

  • Manage and undertake ecological surveys, including UKHab, BNG, and protected species (e.g. bats, GCNs, reptiles, water voles).

  • Deliver project management tasks: quoting, scheduling, reporting, and invoicing.

  • Prepare and review high-quality ecological reports and plans.

  • Liaise with clients and statutory bodies, providing expert ecological guidance.

  • Design and implement mitigation strategies for protected species.

  • Manage field survey teams and oversee junior ecologists.

  • Mentor staff and support development reviews.

  • Write and review RAMS (risk assessments and method statements).

  • Prepare protected species mitigation licences (especially bat and GCN).

  • Contribute to HRAs (Habitats Regulations Assessments).

  • Carry out Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) supervision.

  • Conduct bat call analysis and habitat mapping using GIS (e.g. QGIS).

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in ecological consultancy.

  • Degree (BSc/MSc) in ecology, environmental science, or related field.

  • Excellent project management, organisational, and report writing skills.

  • Proven GIS habitat mapping skills (e.g., QGIS).

  • Strong botanical identification skills.

  • Thorough field skills in protected species survey techniques (e.g., bats, GCNs, water voles, badgers, reptiles).

  • Hold GCN and bat survey licences.

  • Experience leading teams and conducting staff development reviews.

  • Experience preparing badger sett closure licence applications.

  • Full CIEEM membership.

  • Full UK driving licence and access to transport.

Desirable Skills & Experience

  • FISC Level 3 or above (or willingness to work toward this).

  • Hold a CSCS card.

  • Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.

  • Experience in bat call analysis.

  • Experience preparing protected species mitigation licence applications.

How to Apply

Send your CV to Wendy Marsh at:
wendy@greenwillowsassociates.co.uk

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis – early application is encouraged.

We look forward to hearing from you!
Greenwillows Associates Ltd – working for wildlife and people.

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