Associate Ecologist

Opportunity : An established ecological consultancy is seeking an Associate Ecologist to join its growing team of specialists. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a wide range of terrestrial ecological projects across the UK, spanning sectors such as housing, retail, employment, and renewable energy. As an Associate Ecologist, you will play a key role in delivering ecological services, managing complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to business development. The role offers the chance to work within a supportive, experienced team while gaining exposure to cross-disciplinary expertise and challenging, high-profile projects. Responsibility : Design, organise, and lead terrestrial ecology surveys and site visits. Prepare high-quality technical reports and review outputs from colleagues, providing feedback and coaching. Manage project deliverables, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest technical standards. Mentor and manage junior and senior ecologists, fostering professional development. Support business development, maintain client relationships, and help secure new work. Collaborate with senior management to implement team strategies and expand services. Independently manage complex projects, budgets, and timelines, ensuring effective client and stakeholder communication. Lead on tender preparation, including fee proposals, budgets, programmes, and project scopes. Requirements : Extensive professional experience in ecological consultancy or a related field (including public sector or conservation bodies). Relevant degree and / or postgraduate qualification with a strong academic record. Comprehensive experience with UK botanical and faunal identification. Extensive experience with Phase 1 Habitat and / or UK Habitat Classification surveys. Proven experience conducting protected species surveys, mitigation, and licensing; holder of at least one protected species survey licence. Up-to-date knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and policy. Experience preparing development licence applications for protected species mitigation. Proven ability to produce high-quality written reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG, and protected species survey reports. Project management experience, including leading and motivating staff. Proven client liaison and management experience. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational and communication skills. Full Membership of CIEEM (or eligible to obtain). Ability to travel across the UK, including occasional overnight stays. Full UK driving licence. Benefits : Competitive salary and benefits package. Opportunities for professional development and CPD. Exposure to challenging, high-profile projects and collaboration with an experienced ecological team. Supportive and collaborative working environment with opportunities for career progression. If you think you have the required experience to fit this role, please click Apply below to submit your cv for review. If you have any questions about this or other roles, contact Euan McLeod on . We also offer 250 for successfully placed referrals, so if you have any friends / colleagues that are looking for work, put them in touch!