Senior Ecologist - Brighton

About the Client and Projects

My client is an established independent ecological consultancy with over 25 years of experience delivering high‑quality, practical and well‑considered ecological advice. Their Sussex office has grown into one of the leading consultancies in the South East, supporting a diverse client base across the public and private sectors. Projects are varied and genuinely interesting, ranging from residential and mixed‑use developments to brownfield regeneration, mineral extraction, solar farms, wetland creation and habitat banks, alongside smaller, locally focused schemes.

This is a senior position offering real variety and influence. You will be involved from early strategic planning through to project delivery and implementation, coordinating high‑quality ecological work and supporting the development of junior team members. You will take on a client‑facing role, leading and contributing to protected species surveys and technical outputs including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments and mitigation strategies.

The role offers scope to shape projects, mentor others and further develop your own technical interests.

You will be a motivated and enthusiastic ecologist with strong technical capability and a collaborative approach.

• A relevant ecology or biology degree, ideally 2:1 or above
• Protected species and habitat survey experience, including UKHab and solid botanical skills
• Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence using MS Office and QGIS
• A proactive, organised approach and the ability to manage multiple projects
• Willingness to undertake a fair share of night‑time surveys, with occasional overnight stays
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use
• Membership of CIEEM at ACIEEM level or above

• A strong technical specialism, particularly ornithology or botany
• Personal survey licences for bats, dormice or other protected species
• FISC Level 3 or above, or equivalent

My client places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, flexibility and long‑term development, offering a genuinely supportive and inclusive working environment.

• Competitive salary, typically £35,000 to £45,000 for a Senior Ecologist
• Permanent, full‑time contract
• Hybrid working, with up to two days a week from home
• Flexible working around core hours
• Annual profit‑related and performance‑based bonus
• Paid overtime for out‑of‑hours survey work
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus a winter shutdown
• Enhanced pension contributions over time
• Annual company and team events with internal and external speakers
• Family‑friendly policies and volunteering days
• Mobile phone and fieldwork clothing allowance
• Generous training budget and strong commitment to CPD
• Paid professional subscriptions and licence fees
• Employee wellbeing support, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme

My client is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. They strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

If you are interested in finding out more about this position or similar roles currently and would like a discreet non‑committal chat, please contact Jeremy Money (). However, if you have not received a response within one working week, please assume your application has been unsuccessful this time round. We will confidentially retain your details and inform you of any other suitable opportunities arising should you not be successful in this role.

This is one of a number of exciting positions currently available via JSM Associates. JSM offers an extensive range of jobs in the areas of Planning, CSR & Sustainability, Environmental Management, Remediation & Contaminated Land, EIA and Ecology, Geotechnics, Environmental Planning, Air Quality, Noise and Vibration Landscape.

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