Principal / Associate Ecologist – Launch your own Ecology office

Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology. At Ecology by Design we’re redefining what it means to be an ecological consultant – blending scientific rigour with creativity, innovation and a genuine commitment to restoring nature.

The Role at a Glance

UK South East / Midlands | Salary: Negotiable | Contract: Full‑time, Permanent – Part‑time and flexible working considered | Pedigree: CIEEM Registered Practice, Certified “Great Place to Work” | Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savils, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

Why Join Ecology by Design?

Forget timesheets, clock‑watching, and rigid hierarchies. Here you manage your own hours, work where you work best and take unlimited holidays when you need them.

Our offices are dog‑friendly, relaxed and full of energy. We’re an SME with a genuinely awesome team culture – from summer Olympics and Three Peaks challenges to Friday drinks and spontaneous adventures.

We’re proud to be diverse and inclusive – team members from LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and from a wide mix of cultures and experiences.

If you love exploring new ideas – experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies or building a new business from scratch – you’ll have our full support.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver or lead ecological consultancy work – habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, BNG assessments and mitigation design.
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South and Midlands, ensuring high‑quality, client‑focused outcomes.
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards across the team.
• Support, mentor and guide colleagues (depending on experience level).
• Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy.

About You

• Genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation.
• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys.
• Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g., bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
• Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM or related ecological assessments.
• Experience of mentoring or line management (particularly for Principal‑level candidates).
• GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS – training available).
• CIEEM membership (or eligibility).
• Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology‑related discipline.
• Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g., Bat Low Impact, Badger).
• Experience or interest in client development and consultancy growth.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working – flexible mix of home and office.
• Unlimited external training budget and in‑house learning.
• Apple computer and iPhone provided.
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements.
• Supportive, collaborative culture where ideas and expertise are valued.
• Chance to help shape a growing consultancy’s culture and direction.

Company Culture

We maintain a healthy, team‑orientated, supportive culture. Communication is key to all that we do, both with clients and across the company.

We prioritise health and well‑being of our staff – encouraging leave throughout projects and providing in‑house mental health support. Whilst quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting is core, we like to have fun too.

Apply today and join a values‑driven consultancy where your work truly matters – to our clients, our communities and the planet.

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