Senior Ecologist
45k (DOE)
Surrey
Looking for a position where ecology, planning and rural land management genuinely work hand in hand?
Working within their expanding planning and rural teams, you'll collaborate closely with surveyors and planners to deliver ecological advice across a diverse portfolio of rural and development projects.
With a strong client base that includes farming businesses, private and public landowners, and developers, this role offers the chance to shape biodiversity outcomes across agricultural land and development schemes, particularly where BNG presents significant opportunity.
What's in it for you?
- Salary up to 45k
- Clear career progression
- Opportunity to work across Planning, Rural, Land & New Homes and Estate Agency teams
- Supportive, collaborative multi-disciplinary environment
- Exposure to a broad and loyal client base
- Long-term professional development in BNG and rural land strategy
The Role
You will work across both Planning and Rural teams, delivering ecological services that support planning applications and rural land management strategies.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking ecological surveys and preparing associated reports, including PEAs, protected species surveys, EcIAs and BNG calculations
- Applying and advising on BNG
- Identifying and designing optimal enhancement measures, particularly on agricultural land, to deliver off-site BNG solutions
- Advising internal project teams on ecological legislation, planning policy and best practice guidance
- Developing mitigation and enhancement strategies for a wide range of sites
- Liaising with Local Authority Ecologists and appointed consultants
- Representing clients as a professional witness where required
- Managing and supervising sub-contractors where appropriate
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of ecological legislation, policy and emerging best practice
About You
- Degree in Ecology or a related discipline
- Full membership of CIEEM (MCIEEM preferred)
- Minimum 5 years' experience in ecological consultancy or practice
- Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and guidance
- Experience preparing PEAs, protected species surveys and EcIAs
- Familiarity with BNG
- Confident communicator, able to liaise diplomatically with clients, colleagues and regulators
- Awareness of health and safety requirements
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
What's Next?
For an open conversation, call Simon on (phone number removed), email (url removed), or message me via LinkedIn.
If your CV isn't completely up to date, don't worry, send over what you have and we'll take it from there.
What happens after I apply?
You'll be contacted by one of our sector specialists who'll talk through your background, interests, and goals.
We'll make sure the role is right for you and support you through each stage of the process.
Will someone guide me through the interview process?
Yes. Your consultant will brief you fully before interviews, provide insight into the company culture, and help you prepare so you can feel confident and well-informed.