Senior Ecological Consultant

Bristol Source: WhatJobs

£30,000–£40,000

Full time | Aylesbury/Oxford/Bristol | £30,000–£40,000 depending on experience

About us

We are a growing ecological consultancy based in Tidworth, providing specialist advice and survey services to clients across southern England and Wales. Our work spans habitat assessments, protected species surveys, environmental impact assessments, tree surveys, landscape planning and biodiversity net gain calculations.

We’re a passionate, close‑knit team committed to delivering high‑quality ecology alongside outstanding client service.

The role

We're looking for a Senior Ecologist or experienced Ecologist ready to step up who is seeking a varied workload to join our independent ecological consultancy. You'll lead ecological projects from inception to completion, manage and mentor junior staff, and serve as a trusted point of contact for clients. This is a hands‑on role combining fieldwork, report writing, and project management.

Wessex Ecology is an independent ecological consultancy providing expert advice to developers, landowners, and public‑sector clients across southern England and Wales. Our client base includes householders, architects, house builders, water utilities, rural agents and government agencies.

Key responsibilities

Lead and deliver Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EcIA and EIA chapters, and protected species surveys
Manage project budgets, timelines, and client relationships
Provide technical QA and sign‑off on survey reports and mitigation strategies
Mentor and supervise junior team members
Maintain and develop client accounts
Contribute to tenders and fee proposals

About You

Minimum 5 years’ post‑graduate consultancy experience
Full membership of CIEEM (MCIEEM)
Confident with BNG assessments and biodiversity metric calculations
Holding or close to achieving a minimum two protected species survey licences (e.g., great crested newt, bat, dormouse)
Competence in GIS (QGIS)
Strong report‑writing and communication skills
Full UK driving licence
Additional survey licences (e.g., rare reptile, barn owl, white‑claw crayfish)
FISC level 4
Track record of preparing project mitigation licences
Track record of business development or client acquisition

What we offer

Contract: Permanent
Office location: Aylesbury/Oxford/Bristol
Hours: 40/week (between May & September these hours worked Monday to Thursday)
Holiday entitlement: 224 statutory holiday hours/year (equivalent to 28 eight hour days). This includes public holidays. In addition to statutory holidays we offer a further 40 hours/year (equivalent to 5 eight hour days).
One professional membership paid
All work‑related expenses paid
After 12 months you will receive a profit related bonus
Personal training budget of £1000/year
Use of company van for work
Private medical insurance