ZSTSenior Ecology and Biodiversity Consultant

Senior Ecology and Biodiversity Consultant – London

Location: London with hybrid working
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Sector: Ecology, Biodiversity and Environmental Consultancy

Zest4

Talent is recruiting an experienced Senior Ecology and Biodiversity Consultant for an award-winning sustainability consultancy in London.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled ecologist to lead varied ecology and biodiversity projects, advise clients and support the development of junior consultants. You will work on projects that seek to protect and actively enhance biodiversity through sustainable development and responsible land management.

As a Senior Ecology and Biodiversity Consultant, you will manage projects from inception through to completion. You will undertake ecological assessments, prepare high-quality technical reports and provide specialist advice to clients and multidisciplinary project teams.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading ecology and biodiversity projects associated with planning and development
• Producing and technically reviewing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
• Completing Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments and calculations using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
• Producing BREEAM Ecology Credit Assessments
• Preparing protected species survey reports
• Using QGIS to produce habitat, ecological survey and Biodiversity Net Gain maps
• Undertaking and leading UKHab, PEA, bat and other protected species surveys
• Designing and managing ecological survey programmes
• Attending client meetings and providing clear technical advice
• Preparing project proposals and managing agreed fees
• Supporting, training and mentoring junior ecologists
• Line managing consultant or graduate-level team members
• Collaborating with environmental and sustainability specialists on multidisciplinary projects

We are looking for an experienced ecology professional with strong technical knowledge across several of the following areas:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
• Biodiversity Net Gain
• The Statutory Biodiversity Metric
• QGIS habitat and survey mapping
• UKHab surveys and habitat classification
• Bat activity surveys and project design
• Bat call analysis and species identification
• Protected species surveys
• Botanical identification, ideally to approximately FISC Level 3
• BREEAM Ecology Credit Reports
• Habitat Regulations Assessments or Ecological Impact Assessments
• Ecosystem services and natural capital

You should be comfortable undertaking PEAs independently on moderately complex sites and translating field survey findings into accurate Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and mapping.

The successful Senior Ecology and Biodiversity Consultant will ideally have:

• A degree in ecology, biology, environmental science or another relevant scientific discipline
• A relevant postgraduate qualification, although this is desirable rather than essential
• Full membership of CIEEM
• A protected species survey licence, where applicable
• Strong ecological report-writing skills
• Excellent project and client-management abilities
• Good numerical, organisational and communication skills
• The confidence to solve problems and make decisions independently
• A genuine enthusiasm for ecology, biodiversity and nature conservation

The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• A potential discretionary bonus
• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working
• The option to work abroad for an agreed period each year
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Structured training and career development
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Two paid volunteering days each year
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits
• Access to 24-hour GP appointments
• Shopping, leisure and gym discounts
• Regular team social events
• Opportunities to contribute to professional groups and industry best practice

Zest4

Talent welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates and is committed to supporting an inclusive recruitment process.