Ecologist jobs in United Kingdom

Ethos Environmental Planning Ltd (Ethos) is expanding, and we are seeking either a Consultant Ecologist or a Senior Ecologist to join our Bath-based ecology team. This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging ecologist looking to step up, or for an experienced practitioner seeking a senior role with more responsibility, project leadership, and influence.

Ethos is part of the Celnor Group, a community of specialist environmental, testing, inspection, and risk-management businesses committed to protecting people, places, and the planet. Being part of Celnor gives you access to shared tools, development pathways, and group-wide opportunities, while retaining the expert identity and supportive culture that makes Ethos a trusted ecological consultancy.

Based in the world heritage city of Bath, Ethos works across the UK on planning and environmental projects with a strong focus on ecology, biodiversity net gain (BNG), and green infrastructure. We take pride in delivering robust ecological advice that leads to good planning outcomes and positive environmental impact.

Depending on your experience, you will join at Consultant or Senior Ecologist level. Both roles involve delivering high-quality ecological fieldwork, assessments, and project support, but the senior position offers increased responsibility for project management, client liaison, technical leadership, and quality assurance.

• Lead or assist with UK Habitat Classification surveys and condition assessments
• Support or lead protected species surveys (bats, GCN, reptiles, dormouse, birds, and others)
• Deliver ecological supervision, toolbox talks, watching briefs, and Ecological Clerk of Works duties

• Prepare GIS mapping of habitats and ecological features
• Complete or lead Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using DEFRA Metrics and similar tools
• Draft / check survey reports, licence applications, mitigation strategies, ES chapters, and supporting documents
• Collate and interpret desk study and field data, including bat call analysis
• Assess impacts of development and recommend mitigation or monitoring measures
• Apply ecological policy, legislation, and guidance, with senior staff overseeing quality assurance

• Manage ecological projects
• Support or lead communication with clients and stakeholders
• Attend meetings and provide ecological advice appropriate to your level
• Prepare quotes, invoices, budgets, and assist with commercial processes
• Coordinate survey planning, team resourcing, and workflow

• Minimum 2 years’ consultancy experience
• Strong organisational skills and basic GIS knowledge
• Basic field ID skills
• Experience drafting ecological reports
• Minimum 4 years’ ecological experience, including managing projects
• Strong field skills and species ID competency
• Experience writing and quality-checking a range of ecological assessments
• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead teams
• Eligible for Associate CIEEM membership
• Experience with a range of protected species surveys
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Enthusiasm, initiative, and willingness to learn
• Full UK driving licence

• Work as part of a respected and growing consultancy
• Discretionary 9-day fortnight (every other Friday off)
• 25 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Staff mentoring and wellbeing support
• TOIL and paid overtime
• Minimum 4 days formal training per year
• Statutory sickness and parental leave aligned with current guidance
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 4% employer-matched)
• Salary £27,000 - £39,000 dependant on experience