About the role
Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an award-winning independent sustainability consultancy to appoint a Senior Ecology & Biodiversity Consultant to its London Nature team.
This is a particularly interesting opportunity if you want to remain technically involved in ecology while taking greater ownership of projects, clients and junior team development.
Unlike a standalone ecology practice, the Nature team works alongside specialists in net zero, climate resilience, circularity and social value. This creates opportunities to consider biodiversity as part of the wider sustainability of development and the built environment.
The role
As a Senior Consultant, you will manage ecology and biodiversity projects from inception through to delivery, acting as a technical lead on your own projects and contributing ecological expertise to larger multidisciplinary schemes.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leading ecology and biodiversity projects associated with planning and development
Producing and reviewing PEAs, BNG assessments, BREEAM Ecology Credit Assessments and protected species reports
Undertaking BNG calculations using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
Designing and leading UKHab, PEA, bat and other protected species surveys
Using QGIS for habitat mapping and BNG work
Providing technical review and QA
Managing and mentoring Consultant and Graduate Ecologists
Working directly with clients, planners, consultants and other stakeholders
Supporting proposals, project budgets and commercial delivery
Collaborating with specialists across the wider sustainability business
What are they looking for?
You will already have good ecological consultancy experience and be confident delivering projects with a degree of independence.
You should be comfortable undertaking PEAs on moderately complex sites, designing ecological surveys and translating field data into clear technical advice and reports.
Experience across several of the following would be particularly relevant:
Biodiversity Net Gain and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
UKHab and habitat condition assessment
QGIS
Bat survey design, field identification and call analysis
Protected species surveys
BREEAM Ecology
EcIA and/or HRA
Botany, ideally approaching FISC Level 3
Ecosystem services and natural capital
A relevant ecology, biology or environmental degree is expected, with an MSc advantageous. Full CIEEM membership is sought, and protected species licences would be welcomed.
Why consider this opportunity?
There is a broader remit here than traditional ecological assessment.
The consultancy wants biodiversity to influence how projects are designed and managed, rather than ecology being treated simply as a requirement for achieving planning consent.
At Senior level, you will have the opportunity to lead projects, develop junior ecologists, build client relationships and contribute to wider industry initiatives, while continuing to develop your own technical expertise.
The wider package includes £40,000 to £50,000 salary, discretionary bonus, hybrid working, enhanced pension, medical and wellbeing support, enhanced family policies, professional development, volunteering days and the opportunity to work abroad for a set period each year.
If you are an experienced ecologist looking for greater responsibility and would value working at the intersection of ecology, biodiversity and wider sustainability, we would be very happy to tell you more.
Contact Vicky Kenrick at Ocean to Earth Recruitment for a confidential conversation.
07341 020135 | vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk
Ocean to Earth Recruitment | Elevating Green Growth