About the role
Ocean to Earth Recruitment is working with an established, independent ecology and landscape consultancy seeking a Senior / Principal Ecologist to join its close-knit Winchester team.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced ecologist who would like to work within a smaller multidisciplinary consultancy, where ecology sits alongside landscape architecture, landscape planning and arboriculture and your ecological advice can genuinely influence how projects are designed and delivered.
The Opportunity
You will work across a varied portfolio of residential developments, education schemes, green infrastructure and public realm projects, collaborating closely with landscape architects and other environmental specialists.
The position offers a balance of technical ecology, project management, client engagement and fieldwork, with responsibilities including:
Leading ecological surveys, assessments and technical reporting
Delivering and reviewing PEAs and EcIAs
Undertaking BNG assessments, calculations and UKHab surveys
Preparing mitigation strategies and protected species licence applications
Managing projects and advising clients on ecological constraints and opportunities
Working closely with landscape architects to integrate biodiversity and habitat considerations into projects
Supporting and mentoring junior ecologists
At Principal level, providing technical review, project leadership and contributing to the continued development of the ecology team
About You
You will have good experience within UK ecological consultancy and ideally bring:
Full or eligible membership of CIEEM, with MCIEEM welcomed at Principal level
At least one protected species licence, ideally bat and/or hazel dormouse
Strong botanical skills
Experience of PEA, EcIA, BNG and UKHab
EPS licensing experience would be advantageous
Strong report writing and project management skills
Confidence communicating directly with clients and multidisciplinary teams
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Why Join?
You will be joining a small, friendly and collaborative consultancy where you can have a visible impact and work directly with colleagues across ecology and landscape.
The growing team offers genuine scope for progression, whether you are a Senior Ecologist looking to step towards Principal level or an established Principal seeking greater autonomy and influence.
Benefits include:
Hybrid working
24 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
Enhanced pension
Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
Cycle to Work scheme
Professional training and CPD
Regular team social events
Supportive, close-knit working environment
If you are based in Winchester, Hampshire or within commuting distance and would like to explore a senior ecology role offering varied projects, multidisciplinary working and genuine progression, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as sponsorship is not currently available.