Ecologist

Essex Wildlife Trust are the county's leading conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature; we would love you to join our committed and enthusiastic team. By 2030 we aim to protect and connect 30% of land and sea and inspire 1 in 4 people in Essex to take action for wildlife.

We are the Essex Wildlife Trust's 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.

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.

• Annual leave entitlement starts at 26 days per annum increasing annually to 29 days plus Bank Holidays.
• Company sick pay increasing with length of service.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Combined 8% contribution pension scheme.
• Staff social days, colleague nomination scheme and discounts in our Nature Discovery Centres.

Impactful, Collaborative, United and Proactive.

Essex Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we value diversity in our natural world and our people. We want everyone to feel valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of a county rich in wildlife with people connected to nature.

As a Disability Confident employer, please let us know if you have a disability so we can provide an interview that meets the required adjustments. We support the Armed Forces Covenant and guarantee an interview to armed forces veterans who meet the minimum criteria for an advertised role.