Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist - Darwin Ecology | Shaftesbury or Bristol | £34-45K + Profit-Linked Bonus

I'm delighted to be supporting Darwin Ecology - a well-established ecological consultancy known for its "Integrated Conservation" ethos - as they look for a Senior Ecologist to help lead their growing team across Shaftesbury and Bristol.

This is a role for an experienced ecologist ready to step into a genuine leadership position - mentoring junior team members, shaping the direction of regional projects, and contributing to wider business strategy, not just delivering technical work.

• Overseeing regional projects and managing a small team of ecologists
• Mentoring, coaching and developing junior ecologists as they progress through their careers
• Contributing to business strategy and the wider direction of the consultancy
• Producing technical reports, including protected species licence applications
• Client relationships, fee proposals, tenders and project management

• Several years' professional experience within a UK ecological consultancy
• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or a related field
• Managerial or leadership experience, ideally including mentoring
• A UK driving licence and your own vehicle
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Darwin Ecology is also open to candidates at Principal Ecologist level who want a role with real scope to help shape the business - if that's you, get in touch and we can discuss.

• Multiple protected species survey licences (bats especially valued)
• Named Ecologist, BMCL registered or Earned Recognition scheme capability
• CIEEM membership
• Experience with EIAs, HRAs or Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments

• Generous profit-linked annual bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working, 37.5-hour week, structured TOIL
• 25+ days annual leave, professional membership fees paid
• Pet-friendly offices and real flexibility to shape the role around your strengths

Darwin Ecology works across the south and south west of England, delivering bespoke, hands-on mitigation and enhancement solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches - an environment where leadership means real influence, not just a job title.

If you're ready for the next step up - or know someone who is - I'd welcome a confidential conversation.

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