Conservation jobs in United Kingdom

Senior / Principal Ecologist

£45,000 – £60,000 dependent on experience and level
(Senior typically £45k-£55k; Principal typically £55k-£60k)

Reading, Bristol, with opportunities in Warrington and Edinburgh (flexible across other UK offices)

Permanent, Full Time / Flexible

Our client is seeking experienced and enthusiastic Senior and Principal Ecologists to join their expanding, award-winning Ecology team. You will play a key role in delivering positive biodiversity outcomes, shaping nature-based solutions, and helping to secure Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) across a diverse mix of projects in the UK.

You will work on schemes ranging from strategic residential developments and regeneration programmes to energy, transport, and nationally significant infrastructure projects. Operating at the heart of multi-disciplinary teams, you will provide trusted ecological expertise, oversee ecological mitigation and enhancement strategies, and support large-scale habitat restoration initiatives.

In this role, you will also influence conservation outcomes by preparing clear management plans, lead technical reporting, and guide colleagues and clients through ecological challenges with evidence-based advice. You will additionally support and oversee ecological fieldwork delivered by the wider ecology team.

Our client is a leading consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering innovative, sustainable, and environmentally responsible solutions. Their Ecology team is collaborative, supportive, and forward-thinking – valuing integrity, curiosity, and shared success. They empower their people to grow, contribute meaningfully, and shape a role that aligns with their strengths and interests.

• Deliver and oversee ecological mitigation strategies and biodiversity enhancements.
• Provide clear, evidence-based ecological consultancy advice for multi-disciplinary teams and clients.
• Lead and prepare technical ecological reports, including assessments and management plans.
• Support licensing processes and engage with stakeholders and conservation bodies.
• Manage and coordinate ecological field surveys delivered by regional ecologists.
• Contribute to major development, infrastructure, and regeneration projects across the UK.
• Support the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain through UKHab classification and metric application.
• Prepare fee proposals and manage project budgets.

Essential:

• Relevant degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Full CIEEM membership or working towards full membership.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecology, wildlife legislation, and the planning system.
• Professional consultancy experience with a track record of complex ecological project delivery.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to think strategically and develop practical, creative ecological solutions.
• Experience preparing fee proposals and managing project budgets.
• Familiarity with UKHab classification and the Defra BNG Metric.
• Experience in assessments including PEA, EcIA, HRA, and ES biodiversity chapters.

Desirable:

• Broad understanding of terrestrial ecological issues.
• Working towards Chartership (CEnv or CEcol).
• Experience in off-site BNG solutions and Biodiversity Unit sourcing.
• Knowledge of natural capital and ecosystem services.
• One or many protected species licences.
• Experience working under protected species licensing frameworks.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Supportive, collaborative, and inclusive team environment.
• Strong professional development pathways, including support toward Chartership.
• Opportunity to work on nationally recognised ecological and environmental projects.
• Exposure to varied and complex project portfolios.
• Long-term career progression in a growing ecology division.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

This is a chance to advance your ecological consultancy career at either Senior or Principal level, contributing to impactful biodiversity solutions while developing technical, managerial, and strategic skills within a growing and respected ecology team.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.