Associate Ecologist

Bromley, London | £45,000-£55,000 | Flexible working and excellent benefits

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to take the next step in your career and help grow an ecology practice? My client is seeking an ambitious Associate Ecologist to lead ecology services, develop client relationships and build a successful team. This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior or Principal Ecologist looking to progress, or an existing Associate seeking greater autonomy and commercial responsibility.

Working directly with the Directors, you will lead ecology projects from initial enquiry through to delivery, combining technical expertise, project management and business development. You will also collaborate with specialists in BNG, BREEAM, energy, carbon and sustainability, helping shape the future of the ecology practice and contribute to the company's growth.

• Lead Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, UK Habitat Classification surveys and Ecological Impact Assessments.
• Undertake and manage Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, including habitat condition assessments and statutory biodiversity metric calculations.
• Coordinate protected and notable species surveys and seasonal survey programmes.
• Prepare technical reports, Biodiversity Gain Plans and ecological mitigation strategies.
• Advise clients on ecological constraints, mitigation, enhancement and planning requirements.
• Manage client relationships, projects, budgets, programmes and specialist subconsultants.
• Prepare fee proposals and identify new business opportunities.
• Liaise with planning authorities, regulators, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Help develop ecology services, partnerships and future recruitment.
• Collaborate with sustainability colleagues to provide integrated environmental advice.

Applicants are likely to have:

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience.
• CIEEM membership, or eligibility and willingness to obtain membership.
• At least five years' professional ecology experience, ideally within a UK consultancy.
• Strong experience in ecological assessments, habitat surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Competence in at least two protected or notable species groups.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, BS 42020 and relevant CIEEM guidance.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, clients and subconsultants.
• Strong technical report-writing, communication and commercial skills.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site visits and meetings.

The following would be advantageous:

• Protected species survey licences, particularly for bats, great crested newts or dormice.
• Experience with EcIAs, Biodiversity Gain Plans, mitigation strategies or Environmental Impact Assessments.
• Familiarity with QGIS, biodiversity metric tools and biological-recording systems.
• Knowledge of BREEAM ecology requirements.
• Business development and fee proposal experience.
• Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status, or an ambition to work towards chartership.

• Competitive salary depending on experience and professional status.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and your birthday off.
• Long-service leave, increasing to a maximum of 30 days.
• One working-from-home day per week, with flexibility for site visits and meetings.
• Flexible start times from 7.30am.
• Private healthcare and company pension contributions.
• Annual performance bonus and client introduction bonus.
• Time off in lieu for additional hours.
• Paid time for essential medical appointments.
• Professional membership fees, technical training, CPD and career development support.
• Support to attend industry and networking events.
• A distinctive working environment in the Grade II-listed Old Town Hall in central Bromley.
• You will have the opportunity to lead and grow an important part of the business, with potential progression towards a future leadership or Director-level position.