Principal​/Associate Ecologist - Launch Ecology office

Principal / Associate Ecologist - Launch your own Ecology office

Building Biodiversity Better

Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology.

At Ecology by Design
, we're redefining what it means to be an ecological consultant - blending scientific rigour with creativity, innovation, and a genuine commitment to restoring nature. Here, your expertise isn't boxed in by bureaucracy or lost in endless process. It drives real-world change.

If you're a Principal or Associate level Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. You'll join a passionate, forward‑thinking team where autonomy, trust and technical excellence go hand in hand - and where your ideas shape landscapes, policy, and the next generation of ecological practice.

This isn't just another consultancy role, it's a chance to be part of a movement that puts biodiversity, innovation, and people at the heart of everything we do. For the right candidates, it is also a chance to open and run your own office backed by us.

• Principal / Associate Ecologist
• UK South East / Midlands
• Salary:
  Negotiable, depending on expertise
• Contract:
  
  Full‑time, Permanent – Part‑time and flexible working considered
• Pedigree: CIEEM Registered Practice. Certified “Great Place to Work”
• Clients include:
  English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savills, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

We are not your typical corporate consultancy – we are an independent, people‑first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity.

• No timesheets, clock‑watching, or rigid hierarchies. Manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them.
• Dog‑friendly offices, relaxed and full of energy.
• Team culture: olympic and challenge events, Friday drinks, spontaneous adventures.
• Diverse and inclusive workplace – LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and many cultures represented.
• Support for innovation: back innovation, not bureaucracy.

• Drive positive change to how people live with, work in and value the environment
• Achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• Maintain a constant drive for quality and client satisfaction

• We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• We are flexible and innovative, but we don't compromise on quality
• We implement evidence‑based, best‑practice survey methods and mitigation
• Team members are challenged to grow and develop their talents and expertise

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work – habitat surveys, protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and mitigation design.
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South and Midlands, ensuring high‑quality, client‑focused outcomes.
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards across the team.
• Support, mentor and guide colleagues (depending on experience level).
• Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy.

• A genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation.
• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys.
• Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g., bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

• Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM or related ecological assessments.
• Experience of mentoring or line management (particularly for Principal-level candidates).
• GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS – training available).
• CIEEM membership (or eligibility).
• Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology‑related discipline.
• Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g., Bat Low Impact, Badger).
• Experience or interest in client development and consultancy growth.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working – flexible mix of home and office base.
• Excellent training and development, including unlimited external training…