Building Biodiversity Better

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. Here, your expertise isn’t boxed in by bureaucracy or lost in endless process; it drives real-world change.

We’re looking for a Principal or Associate level Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose. Join a passionate, forward‑thinking team where autonomy, trust and technical excellence go hand in hand, and where your ideas shape landscapes, policy and the next generation of ecological practice.

This isn’t just another consultancy role – it’s a chance to be part of a movement that places biodiversity, innovation and people at the heart of everything we do. The right candidates may also have the opportunity to open and run their own office backed by us.

Principal / Associate Ecologist

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, Savils, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge.

Why Join Ecology by Design?

We’re an independent, people‑first ecology business built on trust, flexibility and creativity. Forget timesheets, clock‑watching and rigid hierarchies. Manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them. We give you the freedom to shape how you work, not just what you do.

Our offices are dog‑friendly, relaxed and full of energy. You’ll be surrounded by passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other. We celebrate diversity, inclusion and innovation – from AI experimentation to building new businesses from scratch.

Our Vision

• Drive positive change to how people live with, work in, and value the environment
• Achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• Maintain a constant drive for quality and client satisfaction

Company Values

• Go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• Be flexible and innovative without compromising on quality
• Implement evidence‑based, best‑practice survey methods and mitigation
• Challenge team members to grow and develop their talents/expertise

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work – including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (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

Essential

• A 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 to support a healthy work‑life balance
• 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‑oriented, 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, encouraging appropriate leave throughout projects and providing in‑house mental health support.

Quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting are core to our business, but we also like to have fun.

Application

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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