Associate Ecologist

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

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to take ownership of a growing ecology service?

Consult Sustain is looking for an ambitious Associate Ecologist to lead the delivery and development of our ecology offering. This is an opportunity to move beyond simply managing projects: you will have the autonomy to shape our services, develop client relationships and build a successful ecology team around you.

Working directly with our Directors, you will become the company’s lead ecology consultant and play an important role in our future growth.

We are an independent, growing consultancy where good ideas can quickly become part of how we work. You will have a genuine voice in the business, direct access to decision-makers and the freedom to develop an ecology service that reflects your expertise and ambitions.

You will benefit from our established relationships with architects, developers, planning consultants and housing providers, while being encouraged—and rewarded—for developing new relationships of your own.

You will also work alongside our sustainability specialists, giving you the opportunity to provide clients with coordinated ecology, Biodiversity Net Gain, energy, BREEAM, carbon and sustainability advice.

This role would suit an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist ready to step into an Associate-level position, or an existing Associate looking for greater autonomy, influence and long-term progression.

You will take the lead on ecology commissions from initial enquiry through to delivery. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, UK Habitat Classification surveys and Ecological Impact Assessments for planning applications.
• Undertaking and managing Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the statutory biodiversity metric, including habitat condition assessments, BNG reports and habitat plans.
• Planning, undertaking and overseeing protected and notable species surveys, including surveys for bats, breeding and wintering birds, great crested newts, reptiles, dormice, invertebrates and aquatic species, as appropriate.
• Coordinating seasonal survey programmes and managing specialist ecologists and subconsultants.
• Preparing clear, proportionate and technically robust reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, Ecological Mitigation and Enhancement Strategies and Biodiversity Gain Plans.
• Advising clients and design teams on ecological constraints, mitigation, enhancement and planning requirements.
• Liaising with local planning authorities, statutory bodies and other stakeholders.
• Managing client relationships, project scopes, programmes and budgets.
• Preparing fee proposals and ensuring commissions are delivered efficiently and profitably.
• Identifying and developing new opportunities through relationships with planning consultants, architects, developers, contractors and housing providers.
• Helping to shape our ecology services, systems, partnerships and future recruitment.
• Maintaining high professional standards in accordance with the CIEEM Code of Professional Conduct, BS 42020 and relevant wildlife and environmental legislation.
• Collaborating with our BREEAM, energy, carbon and sustainability teams to provide joined-up advice to clients.

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness and the confidence to lead client relationships.

You will ideally have:

• A degree in ecology, environmental science or another relevant biological discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Current membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management…