Senior Ecologist; E3 Ecology

E3 Ecology is a well-established specialist ecological consultancy based in North East England. We have a strong local reputation for delivering high-quality, practical ecological advice efficiently and professionally.

We work across residential, minerals, infrastructure, renewable energy and habitat creation and enhancement projects. Our services include habitat and protected species surveys, ecological assessments, planning support, habitat management plans, protected species licensing and training.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our supportive, forward-thinking team. The role combines fieldwork, project management, technical work and client liaison, including:

• Leading habitat and protected species surveys and preparing technical reports.
• Managing projects from instruction to completion, ensuring surveys, reports and other deliverables meet seasonal and client requirements.
• Providing ecological advice to clients, local authority ecologists and other consultants.
• Preparing protected species licence applications and supporting mitigation and licensing work.
• Mentoring junior staff, with potential for future line management.
• Undertaking technical review and QA of colleagues’ reports.
• Contributing to the continued development of E3 Ecology and its services.

• Experience in ecological consultancy, including leading habitat and protected species surveys.
• Strong technical report-writing skills and knowledge of UK ecological planning and licensing.
• Experience managing projects, meeting deadlines and liaising confidently with clients.
• Good botanical skills, ideally including Phase 1 and/or UKHab survey experience (e.g. FISC Level 3 or equivalent).
• Good GIS skills, ideally QGIS, and strong general IT skills.
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and the ability to work independently while contributing positively to a small team.
• Bat and/or great crested newt survey licences, or relevant experience towards obtaining them.
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior staff.
• CIEEM Associate or Full Membership, or willingness to work towards membership.
• Experience of habitat creation/enhancement and a range of development sectors.

We recognise that ecologists develop different technical specialisms, so you do not need to meet every desirable criterion. We welcome applications from candidates whose experience and ambitions align with the role.

We believe a good ecological consultancy should provide genuine flexibility, manageable workloads and opportunities to develop. We offer:

• £35,000–£42,000 FTE salary
  , plus discretionary annual bonus and length-of-service bonus
  .
• Remote working and flexitime
  , with site-based survey work across North East England and surrounding areas. Weekly team meeting in South Northumberland or Durham.
• Paid overtime and/or TOIL
  .
• 4-day working week considered.
• 20 days’ annual leave, plus your birthday, three days between Christmas and New Year and bank holidays, with additional leave awarded for length of service
  .
• Employee Health Cash Plan and pension contributions.
• Tailored training and structured career progression
  .
• Regular workload and project reviews to help maintain manageable workloads.
• A supportive, friendly working environment and varied ecological survey and consultancy work.