Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist

Banbury, Oxfordshire - Hybrid Working

£38,000 - £45,000 + Excellent Benefits

Bennett & Game Recruitment are pleased to be working with a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their established terrestrial ecology team based in Banbury.

The successful candidate will take a leading role across a diverse portfolio of projects throughout Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and the surrounding region. Projects will span the residential, commercial, renewable energy and mixed-use development sectors.

This position offers an excellent balance of technical ecology work, project management and client engagement. The Senior Ecologist will lead survey programmes, produce high-quality technical reports and support the development of junior team members while collaborating with specialists across a range of environmental disciplines.

Senior Ecologist Salary & Benefits

• Salary of £38,000 - £45,000 depending on experience
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
• One additional day of annual leave for every three years of service up to five additional days
• Option to carry forward up to five days of annual leave
• Option to buy or sell up to five days of annual leave per year
• Employer pension contributions with the opportunity for increased contributions
• Private medical insurance following successful completion of probation
• Income protection covering 75% of salary following a qualifying period
• Life assurance of four times annual salary
• Enhanced company sick pay
• One paid volunteering day per year
• One professional membership paid annually
• Cycle to Work Scheme up to the value of £3,000
• Comprehensive training and professional development
• Supportive social, wellbeing and employee network groups
• Excellent opportunities for progression within a growing environmental consultancy

Senior Ecologist Job Overview

• Lead and deliver ecological surveys across a diverse portfolio of development projects
• Undertake UK Habitat Classification and Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
• Coordinate and oversee protected species surveys
• Manage fieldwork programmes, survey teams and project resources
• Produce high-quality technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Environmental Statement chapters and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
• Provide technical ecological advice to clients and project teams
• Manage small to medium-sized ecological projects from initial instruction through to completion
• Prepare project programmes, budgets and scopes of work
• Monitor project delivery against agreed timescales and budgets
• Liaise with clients, planning authorities, statutory bodies and other project stakeholders
• Review technical work and maintain high standards across project deliverables
• Mentor and support junior members of the ecology team
• Collaborate with specialists across a range of environmental disciplines
• Contribute to the continued growth and reputation of the ecology team
• Undertake occasional travel and overnight stays where required

Senior Ecologist Job Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or another relevant discipline
• Typically three or more years' professional experience within ecological consultancy
• Strong terrestrial ecology field survey skills
• Experience undertaking UK Habitat Classification and/or Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
• Experience undertaking protected species surveys
• Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and relevant planning policy
• Experience producing high-quality ecological reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments
• Experience producing Environmental Statement chapters and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
• Experience managing fieldwork programmes and survey teams
• Experience managing small to medium-sized ecology projects
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to support and mentor junior colleagues
• Full or Associate membership of CIEEM or eligibility to obtain membership
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
• Willingness to travel when required
• Full UK driving licence

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in their career with a highly regarded consultancy offering varied projects, flexible working and genuine opportunities for continued professional development.

Candidates who do not meet every requirement are still encouraged to apply as the company is open to supporting professional development and considering flexible or part-time working arrangements.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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