Senior Ecologist; Davidson-Watts Ecology Ltd

Davidson-Watts Ecology Ltd (DWE) is a specialist ecological consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality ecological advice, surveys, and solutions. We work with a wide range of clients including developers, conservation NGOs, local authorities/statutory agencies, and private landowners. We are leaders in the use of novel approaches to survey, assessment and mitigation, underpinned by our own in-house research and development programme.

Our ethos is to combine scientific rigour with practical, client focussed outcomes, to promote sustainable development and nature recovery.

Role Purpose

The Senior Ecologist will play a key technical delivery role within our consultancy, leading complex ecological assessments and taking on protected species licensing responsibility, while managing allocated projects and budgets and coordinating specialist sub-contractors. The postholder will provide strong technical expertise in ecology, act as named ecologist or accredited agent on mitigation licences and ensure compliance with UK legislation and best practice.

The role combines technical leadership, project management, and client liaison, alongside continued involvement in fieldwork and hands‑on site delivery, with opportunities to mentor junior colleagues and contribute to company policy and strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full range of ecological assessments, from Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) and Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRA) through to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Environmental Statement (ES) chapters, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations.
• Design and coordinate species-specific surveys,g. dormice, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
• Design and lead habitat surveys.
• Undertake all bat survey types, including trapping and radio-tracking.
• Prepare bat licence and other protected species licence method statements and site registration documents.
• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of mitigation licences, acting as accredited agent or named ecologist as required.
• Schedule, manage and coordinate specialist sub-contractors.
• Manage allocated projects, including budgets, quotes, and client liaison.
• Participate in non-technical team activities, such as team meetings, Health and Safety audits, and input to company policy and strategy.
• Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in ecological consultancy.
• Proven track record of technical delivery, project management, and client liaison.
• Strong expertise in bats, including trapping and radio-tracking, and preparing licence method statements.
• Experience acting as (or working towards) an accredited agent or named ecologist on mitigation licences.
• Strong background in habitat and species surveys (e.g. dormice, birds, reptiles/amphibians).
• Excellent ecological report writing skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience of project and budget management.
• Full membership (or eligibility) of CIEEM.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work, including night work.
• Own protected species mitigation licence (e.g. bat) or well progressed towards one.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to junior ecologists.
• Experience in Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and UKHab classification.
• Understanding of the planning process and experience working with planning authorities.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Annual performance bonus and special bonus awards
• Hybrid working with flexibility to balance office, home, and site-based work.
• Unlimited ongoing professional development and training.
• Opportunities to work on diverse and high-profile projects, including work in New Zealand and the Pacific.
• A supportive, collaborative, and friendly working environment within a growing consultancy.

• Company Davidson-Watts Ecology Ltd
• Location South West England, Hybrid
• Salary £38,000 – £45,000 (depending on experience)