Senior Ecologist

APEM Ltd; Banbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy based in Banbury is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their team. The successful candidate will lead ecological surveys and produce assessments while managing client relationships and mentoring junior colleagues. Required skills include significant experience in ecological consultancy, strong field survey abilities, and a relevant degree. This role offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration on varied projects across the UK.

Benefits

Opportunities for progression

Professional development opportunities

Exposure to major national projects

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in ecological consultancy required.
• Strong field survey skills required (e.g., UKHab / Phase 1).
• Ability to produce ecological reports essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological surveys and assessments.
• Manage client relationships and project delivery.
• Mentor junior colleagues and contribute to team growth.

Skills

Ecological consultancy

Terrestrial field survey skills

High-quality report writing

Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation

Project management

Driving skills

Education

Relevant degree

CIEEM membership

Tools

QGIS

Job description

About The Role

Are you an experienced ecologist who thrives on delivering high-quality fieldwork and ecological reporting? Are you confident managing your own projects, supporting clients and mentoring others? Are you looking to join a respected consultancy where your skills genuinely shape project outcomes?

We are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our Banbury-based team, supporting projects across Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and the surrounding region. You’ll join a friendly and established group of terrestrial ecology specialists delivering a varied portfolio of residential, commercial, renewable and mixed-use schemes. As part of the APEM Group, you’ll also have access to a wide network of environmental experts, giving you opportunities to broaden your experience and collaborate across disciplines.

In this role, you’ll combine technical delivery with project ownership. You’ll lead surveys, produce high-quality ecological assessments, work directly with clients, and help guide junior colleagues. You’ll have the autonomy to manage your workload while contributing to the continued growth and reputation of our ecology team.

Essential

• Proven experience in ecological consultancy (typically 3+ years).
• Strong terrestrial field survey skills, including UKHab / Phase 1 and protected species surveys.
• Ability to produce high-quality ecological reports (e.g., PEAs, EcIAs, ES chapters, BNG assessments).
• Good working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Experience managing fieldwork and small/medium projects.
• Degree in a relevant subject.
• Full or Associate CIEEM membership (or eligibility).
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Protected species survey licences.
• Experience with NVC or MoRPh surveys.
• Experience preparing mitigation licence applications.
• GIS skills (e.g., QGIS).
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues.

Why join us?

Aspect Ecology is known for high-quality delivery, strong client relationships and a supportive team culture. As part of APEM Group, you’ll enjoy genuine opportunities for progression, professional development and exposure to major national projects. If you’re looking for a role where you can grow, specialise and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy, we work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally.

Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working toward the protection of the environment across the globe.