Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist

Location: Taunton / South West
Salary: £38,000-£45,000 DOE
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

An expanding environmental consultancy is looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its close-knit team, delivering ecological consultancy and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) services across the South West. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing business where you can influence project delivery and contribute to its continued development.

As Senior Ecologist, you will lead ecological projects, manage client relationships and deliver high-quality technical assessments while supporting junior colleagues.

What's on offer:

• Salary of £38,000-£45,000, depending on experience
• 35-hour working week
• 28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Additional paid Christmas shutdown
• Flexible, predominantly home-based working
• Paid business mileage and travel time
• Professional membership fees and dedicated CPD time
• Support for professional development and licence progression
• Genuine autonomy and career progression

The role:

• Lead PEAs, EcIAs, protected species surveys and BNG assessments.
• Manage projects, budgets, survey programmes and client relationships.
• Prepare and review technical reports, including HRAs where competent.
• Provide ecological advice and support planning applications.
• Mentor junior ecologists and contribute to technical quality assurance.

Requirements:

• Proven experience independently managing ecological consultancy projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Experience in ecological assessments, habitat surveys and BNG.
• Strong report-writing, communication and project management skills.
• QGIS proficiency and protected species licences are advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle.
• Full right to work in the UK.
• Based within a commutable distance of the Taunton office and able to undertake regional site visits.