About the role
Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with a well-established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy looking to appoint a Senior or Principal Ecologist to its Hertfordshire team.
This is a strong opportunity for an experienced ecologist who wants greater ownership of projects, closer collaboration with other environmental disciplines and the chance to influence ecological outcomes from an early stage.
The business brings together ecology, landscape architecture, arboriculture, heritage, urban design and masterplanning, creating a genuinely integrated environment for project delivery.
The role
You will manage ecological input across a varied portfolio of development and infrastructure projects, with work spanning residential, mixed-use, renewable energy, habitat banks, minerals and landscape-scale restoration.
Your responsibilities will include:
Managing ecological projects from initial appraisal through planning, delivery and monitoring
Preparing and reviewing PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
Leading protected species surveys, mitigation and licensing work where appropriate
Advising clients, planning authorities and multidisciplinary design teams
Supporting habitat bank and wider biodiversity enhancement projects
Managing project programmes and technical outputs
Mentoring junior ecologists and supporting their development
Helping maintain high technical standards across the ecology team
What we’re looking for
You will already have solid ecological consultancy experience and be confident taking responsibility for projects and client relationships.
Relevant experience is likely to include:
Ecological surveys, assessments and report writing
Strong habitat survey skills, including UKHab
Good botanical knowledge
Understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy
Project management
Client liaison
QGIS
Membership of CIEEM, or progression towards the appropriate level
Protected species licences, specialist technical expertise and strong BNG experience would all be advantageous, but are not essential.
Why consider this opportunity?
This is a role where ecology is embedded within the wider environmental design process rather than treated as a standalone discipline.
You will have the chance to influence projects from concept through to delivery, while developing both technically and commercially within a supportive team.
The package includes:
£35,000 to £55,000 salary, depending on experience
Hybrid working, with up to two days from home
Flexible core hours
Annual profit-related and performance bonuses
Paid overtime for evening and out-of-hours surveys
Enhanced pension contributions
Increasing annual leave
Strong CPD and external training support
Paid professional memberships and licence fees
Clear progression into more senior and leadership positions
Wellbeing support and volunteering opportunities
If you are an experienced Senior Ecologist ready for greater responsibility, or already operating at Principal level and looking for a collaborative multidisciplinary environment, 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