Principal​/Associate Ecologist - Launch Ecology office

Position: Principal / Associate Ecologist - Launch your own Ecology office
Location: Brighton

Principal / Associate Ecologist – Launch your own Ecology office

Join to apply for the Principal / Associate Ecologist – Launch your own Ecology office role at Ecology by Design

The Role at a Glance

UK South East / Midlands

Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise

Contract: Full-time, Permanent - Part-time and flexible working considered

Pedigree: CIEEM Registered Practice, Certified "Great Place to Work"

Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savils, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

Why Join Ecology by Design?

At Ecology by Design, we’re not your typical corporate consultancy — and that’s exactly the point. We’re an independent, people‑first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity. Forget timesheets, clock‑watching, and rigid hierarchies.

Here, you manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them. Our offices are dog‑friendly, relaxed, and full of energy. We’re proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from all backgrounds.

And if you’re someone who loves to explore new ideas — experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies, or even building a new business from scratch — you’ll have our full support.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work, including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, BNG assessments, and mitigation design
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South, and Midlands, ensuring high‑quality, client‑focused outcomes
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards across the team
• Support, mentor, and guide colleagues (depending on experience level)
• Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy

About You

• A genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation
• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys
• Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g., bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required
• Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM, or related ecological assessments
• Experience of mentoring or line management (particularly for Principal‑level candidates)
• GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS — training available)
• CIEEM membership (or eligibility)
• Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology‑related discipline
• Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g., Bat Low Impact, Badger)
• Experience or interest in client development and consultancy growth

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working: a flexible mix of home and office base
• Excellent training and development, including an unlimited external training budget and in‑house learning
• Apple computer and iPhone provided
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work‑life balance
• A supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued
• A chance to help shape a growing consultancy’s culture and direction

Company Culture

We maintain a healthy, team‑oriented, supportive culture. Communication is key to all that we do, both with clients and across the company. We prioritise the health and well‑being of our staff, encouraging people to take appropriate leave throughout projects and providing in‑house mental health support.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Consulting and Management

Apply today and join a values‑driven consultancy where your work truly matters — to our clients, our communities, and the planet.

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