Principal / Associate Ecologist – Launch your own Ecology office

Join Ecology by Design (a subsidiary of VoiceWorks) as a Principal or Associate Ecologist. Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology.

Role at a Glance

• Location: UK South East / Midlands
• Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise
• 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, Savills, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead a range of 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.

Essential Qualifications

• 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, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Desirable

• 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 – a flexible mix of home and office base.
• Excellent training and development, including an unlimited external training budget and in‑house learning.
• Paid professional memberships (e.g. CIEEM).
• Apple computer and iPhone provided.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements.
• A supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued.
• A 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 the health and well‑being of our staff, offering in‑house mental health support and encouraging appropriate leave throughout projects.

Apply Today

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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