Principal​/Associate Ecologist - Launch Ecology office

Building Biodiversity Better

Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology.

At Ecology by Design, we re redefining what it means to be an ecological consultant - blending scientific rigour with creativity, innovation, and a genuine commitment to restoring nature. Here, your expertise isn t boxed in by bureaucracy or lost in endless process. It drives real-world change.

If you re a Principal or Associate level Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. You ll join a passionate, forward-thinking team where autonomy, trust and technical excellence go hand in hand - and where your ideas shape landscapes, policy, and the next generation of ecological practice.

This isn t just another consultancy role, it s a chance to be part of a movement that puts biodiversity, innovation, and people at the heart of everything we do. For the right candidates is also a chance to open and run your own office backed by us.

We are Ecology by Design.

The Role at a Glance

Principal / Associate Ecologist
UK South East / Midlands
Salary:
Negotiable, depending on expertise
Plus Benefits

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. We believe happy, trusted people do their best work - so we give you the freedom to shape how you work, not just what you do.

Our offices are dog-friendly (yes, really), relaxed, and full of energy. You ll be surrounded by passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other.

We re an SME with a genuinely awesome team culture - from summer Olympics and Three Peaks challenges to Friday drinks and spontaneous adventures, there s always something happening if you want to get involved.

We re proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from all backgrounds - LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and from a wide mix of cultures and experiences. We see diversity as our collective superpower, and we ll help you use yours to the max.

And if you re someone who loves to explore new ideas - whether it s experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies, or even building a new business from scratch - you ll have our full support. Our trust-first policy means we back innovation, not bureaucracy.

If you re ready to leave behind the corporate red tape and join a consultancy where flexibility, creativity, and people come first - Ecology by Design is the place for you.

We aim to:

• Drive positive change to how people live with, work in and value the environment

• Achieve better outcomes for biodiversity

• Have a constant drive for quality and client satisfaction

Company Values:

Every member of the team is valued and:

• We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity

• We are flexible and innovative, but we don t compromise on quality

• We implement evidence-based, best-practice survey methods and mitigation

• Team members are challenged to grow and develop their talents/expertise

This is more than just a job - it s a chance to contribute to meaningful environmental change while developing your career in a supportive, flexible, and dynamic workplace.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work - including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (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…