Associate Ecologist

Locations: Midlands, London or Glasgow
Salary: 50,000- 65,000 DOE, with flexibility for exceptional candidates
Working pattern: Hybrid and flexible working available

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to take the next step in your career? Looking for a role where you can lead on exciting projects, influence environmental outcomes and help develop the next generation of ecological talent?

We're working with a leading multidisciplinary consultancy to recruit an Associate Ecologist to join its growing environmental team. This is an excellent opportunity for an established ecological professional to take on a varied portfolio of projects, strengthen client relationships and play a key role in the continued growth of a highly regarded ecology practice.

You’ll be involved in a diverse range of projects spanning major infrastructure, development and nature recovery, working alongside specialists from across the environmental and engineering sectors.

Combining technical expertise with project leadership and business development, you’ll help ensure ecological considerations are embedded into projects from the earliest stages through to delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the delivery of complex ecological projects, managing programmes, budgets, resources and technical quality.
• Building strong relationships with clients, identifying opportunities to develop existing accounts and secure new work.
• Preparing and contributing to bids, tenders and proposals to support regional business growth.
• Providing technical review and guidance on ecological reports, assessments and protected species licensing applications.
• Overseeing and undertaking ecological assessments, habitat surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) work.
• Developing practical, innovative approaches to ecological mitigation, compensation and habitat creation.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across multiple disciplines to deliver integrated environmental solutions.
• Supporting, mentoring and developing junior colleagues, helping to build technical capability within the team.
• Ensuring all deliverables meet relevant legislation, industry guidance and recognised best practice.

We're keen to speak with ecologists who combine strong technical knowledge with the confidence to lead projects, engage with clients and contribute to business development.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Substantial experience in professional ecological consultancy, with the ability to lead projects and advise on technical matters.
• A strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, ecological policy and current industry guidance.
• Experience with UKHab surveys, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) and BNG assessments.
• Experience in protected species surveys, mitigation strategies and licensing.
• Strong project management skills, including financial control, quality assurance and delivery against deadlines.
• Experience developing client relationships, contributing to bids and identifying commercial opportunities.
• A relevant professional accreditation, such as CIEEM Chartered Ecologist, Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Environmentalist/Scientist status where applicable, or a commitment to working towards chartership.
• Strong botanical identification skills would be advantageous, particularly experience equivalent to FISC Level 3 or above.
• Experience supporting major infrastructure schemes, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and the Development Consent Order (DCO) process, would be beneficial.
• A full, valid UK driving licence.

Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about ecology, comfortable working collaboratively and keen to make a tangible…