Ecologist

Closing date:
Monday 2 March 2026
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Contract type:
Permanent

Working hours:

Full time

Location:

Abbotts Hall
, Maldon Road, Great Wigborough, Colchester, CO5 7RZ

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We are the Essex Wildlife Trusts ecological consultancy delivering sustainable solutions for biodiversity, development, and conservation across Essex and the south east. Our dedicated ecology team works on diverse projects ranging from infrastructure, species surveys, to habitat restoration and nature recovery.

We are seeking an experienced Ecologist to join our growing ecology team. You will play a key role in managing ecological surveys, leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and providing expert advice to clients. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress their career within a supportive and forward‑thinking consultancy.

• Lead on ecological surveys (e.g. Phase 1/UKHab, protected species, habitat assessments)
• Manage projects from inception to delivery, ensuring quality and compliance
• Prepare and review ecological reports, including impact assessments and mitigation strategies
• Provide ecological advice to clients, consultants and planning authorities
• Mentor and support junior ecologists in both technical and professional development
• Contribute to business development, including preparing proposals and tenders

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline
• Proven experience in consultancy or applied ecology (minimum 7 years preferred)
• Strong knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation and planning policy
• Demonstrable experience with protected species surveys (holding licences desirable)
• Excellent report writing and project management skills
• Membership of CIEEM (Associate or Full) or working towards chartership
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork

This role is a permanent position working 37.5 hours per week (these hours can be delivered flexibly). The salary is £30,000 to £35,000 per annum. Benefits include free life assurance, logo clothing and parking, and company sick pay provisions.

Essex Ecology and Essex BNG & Green Finance are commercial subsidiaries of Essex Wildlife Trust, which is the county’s leading conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature; and we would love you to join our committed and enthusiastic team. Our values are Impactful, Collaborative, United, and Proactive.

To make an application, please complete an online application form on our website by 5pm on Monday 02 March 2026. Interviews will be held at Abbotts Hall week commencing 16 March 2026.

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