About the role
Work on Renewable Energy, Infrastructure and Nature Recovery Projects
Are you an experienced Ecologist ready to take on more responsibility, broaden your project experience or progress towards a senior position?
Ocean to Earth Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of an established environmental consultancy seeking a Consultant or Senior Ecologist to support a growing portfolio of projects across Wales and South West England.
This opportunity will particularly appeal to Ecologists interested in renewable energy development, ecological impact assessment and delivering practical solutions that balance development with biodiversity protection.
You will work alongside experienced environmental professionals, with opportunities to develop your technical skills, manage projects and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes.
What Will You Be Doing?
The position offers a varied workload combining field ecology, technical reporting and project delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
Designing, coordinating and undertaking habitat and protected species surveys.
Preparing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), protected species reports and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs).
Supporting renewable energy generation and associated infrastructure projects.
Managing ecological assessments, project budgets and delivery programmes.
Analysing survey findings and developing practical ecological recommendations.
Working directly with clients, planning teams and other environmental specialists.
Supporting junior colleagues and contributing to technical quality.
Assisting with tenders, fee proposals and future project opportunities.
The role can be tailored to an experienced Consultant looking to progress or a Senior Ecologist who is confident managing technical work and client relationships.
What Experience Will You Need?
We are interested in speaking with Ecologists who have developed a solid foundation in UK ecological consultancy and are ready to build on their experience.
Essential requirements:
Experience delivering ecological consultancy projects in the UK.
Good working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
Practical experience in habitat and protected species surveys.
Experience preparing ecological reports, including PEAs, protected species assessments and EcIAs.
Understanding of ecological considerations within the planning and development process.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients and project teams.
Strong technical writing and organisational skills.
Full UK driving licence.
Flexibility to undertake fieldwork across Wales and South West England, including some overnight stays and seasonal evening or night surveys.
Desirable experience:
Renewable energy or major infrastructure projects.
Ecological consenting processes in England and Wales.
Protected species licences, particularly bats, great crested newts or dormice.
Project management or supervision of junior ecologists.
Preparing tenders, fee proposals or supporting business development.
Candidates who meet the essential requirements but are still developing some of the desirable skills are encouraged to apply.
What Can You Expect?
This opportunity offers the chance to build your career within a supportive, multidisciplinary consultancy environment.
Competitive salary: £28,000 to £39,500 depending on experience.
Hybrid working: Based in Bristol or Cardiff, with a minimum of two office days per week.
Flexible working: Full-time hours of 37.5 per week, with part-time arrangements from 30 hours considered.
Project variety: Renewable energy, infrastructure, ecological assessment and nature restoration.
Professional development: Opportunities to develop technical expertise, project management and leadership capabilities.
Collaborative environment: Work with colleagues across ecology and complementary environmental disciplines.
Travel expenses covered: Including necessary overnight accommodation for project work.
Is This the Right Next Step for You?
Perhaps you are a Consultant Ecologist who has gained strong fieldwork and reporting experience but would like more involvement in project management.
Alternatively, you may already be working at Senior Ecologist level and want to expand your renewable energy experience, work on a broader project portfolio or take on additional responsibility.
Our client is open to discussing both levels and is particularly interested in candidates who enjoy delivering high-quality ecological work and want to continue developing their careers.
How to Apply
Ocean to Earth Recruitment specialises in connecting environmental professionals with consultancies and organisations across the UK and Ireland.
We offer a confidential, straightforward recruitment process, taking time to understand your experience, ambitions and what you are looking for in your next position.