Senior / Principal Ecologist - Hybrid / Remote
20 hours ago
Bristol
Building Biodiversity Better The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications. Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology. 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. 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 Ecologist (Senior / Principal Level) Location: Inviting candidates from c100 mile radius of Oxford / Chalgrove Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise Plus Benefits 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 us? We’re not your typical corporate consultancy - and that’s exactly the point. We’re an independent, people-first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity. 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. We believe happy, trusted people do their best work - so we give you the freedom to shape how you work, not just what you do. Our offices are dog-friendly (yes, really), relaxed, and full of energy. You’ll be surrounded by passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other. We’re an SME with a genuinely awesome team culture - from summer Olympics and Three Peaks challenges to Friday drinks and spontaneous adventures, there’s always something happening if you want to get involved. We’re proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from all backgrounds - LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and from a wide mix of cultures and experiences. We see diversity as our collective superpower, and we’ll help you use yours to the max. And if you’re someone who loves to explore new ideas - whether it’s experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies, or even building a new business from scratch - you’ll have our full support. Our trust-first policy means we back innovation, not bureaucracy. If you’re ready to leave behind the corporate red tape and join a consultancy where flexibility, creativity, and people come first - This is the place for you. We aim to: • Drive positive change to how people live with, work in and value the environment, • Achieve better outcomes for biodiversity, • We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity, • We are flexible and innovative, but we don’t compromise on quality, • We implement evidence-based, best-practice survey methods and mitigation, • 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), • 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, • 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), • 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 Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.