Senior / Principal Ecologist - Ecology by Design. Hybrid / Remote Building Biodiversity Better Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology. At Ecology by Design, we are 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. If you’re a Senior or Principal Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. You’ll 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 puts biodiversity, innovation, and people at the heart of everything we do. The Role at a Glance

Title: Ecologist (Senior / Principal Level) Location: Invite candidates from within ~100-mile radius of Oxford / Chalgrove Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise Benefits: Contract: Full-time, Permanent - Part-time and flexible working considered Organisation: CIEEM Registered Practice, Certified Great Place to Work Key Clients: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savills, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

Why Join Us? Since our launch in 2015, we’ve grown steadily, earning a reputation for technical excellence, pragmatic advice, and client‑friendly service. As part of our team, you’ll help deliver innovative, evidence‑based ecological insights that support sustainable development and biodiversity protection. Our vision is to ensure biodiversity is protected and prioritised across developments, balancing the need for housing, infrastructure, and energy provision while prioritising people and wildlife in the wider landscape. We Aim To

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

Value every team member and go the extra mile for better biodiversity outcomes Be flexible and innovative without compromising 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

Essential

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 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: flexible mix of home and office base Excellent training and development, including 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 Supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued 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, offering in‑house mental health support, and keeping our team safe, healthy, and valued. While quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting is core to our business, we also like to have fun. If You’re an Ecologist Looking to Progress Your Career... Whether stepping into senior responsibility or leading projects at a principal level, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join a values‑driven consultancy where your work truly matters—impacting our clients, communities, and the planet. #J-18808-Ljbffr