Job Title: Senior Ecologist & Principal Ecologist
Location: Flexible (Home-based, Hybrid, or Office-based). You need to be based in or willing to relocate to East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, Surrey, or surrounding areas.
Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
Who We Are
At Greenspace Ecological Solutions (GES), we’re more than just a consultancy—we’re a team of passionate ecologists driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact. Our projects are as diverse as they are exciting, spanning historic restorations, utilities, renewables, parkland, and residential and commercial developments of varying scales. Our clients include prestigious names like the Knepp Estate, Eton College, Brighton Pavilion, Natural England, and the Natural History Museum.
We consciously focus on work that aligns with our values—so you won’t be stuck on long, monotonous infrastructure rail or road projects. Instead, we take on challenges that stimulate us, reflect our ethos, and allow us to foster a positive, team-focused culture.
As a CIEEM Registered Practice, we’re committed to promoting the highest standards in the industry.
Why Join Us?
At GES, we’re proud of our strong, supportive culture and flexible approach. Whether you’re managing impactful projects, advising clients, conducting fieldwork, or mentoring the next generation of ecologists, you’ll find a place where your expertise is valued and your contributions matter. We offer the freedom to tailor your work-life balance to your needs—whether home-based, hybrid, or office-based.
If you’re passionate about ecology and ready to work with a team that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and making a real difference, we’d love to meet you.
What’s in It for You?
* Variety: Work on a wide range of projects, from commercial and residential developments to renewable energy and conservation projects.
* Flexibility: Choose how and where you work—home-based, hybrid, or office-based.
* Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of our unlimited training allowance, continuous career development, and mentoring from experienced professionals.
* Work-Life Balance: A team culture that respects your time with a true TOIL system for out-of-hours work and well-being initiatives.
* Recognition & Impact: Your voice will be heard, and your contributions will shape both our company and the projects we deliver.
The Role
As part of our team, you’ll lead a mix of fieldwork, data analysis, and client management. Whether stepping in as a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you’ll be at the forefront of delivering ecological solutions for our clients.
Senior Ecologist Responsibilities:
* Manage a variety of projects, including those within residential developments, providing expert advice across all sectors.
* Conduct and oversee field surveys, from PEAs and Phase 2 surveys to Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and mitigation strategies.
* Analyse ecological data to produce accurate and insightful reports.
* Complete, proofread and review reports and BNG assessments to ensure they meet GES’s high standards before submission to clients.
* Engage with clients to maintain and build relationships, prepare tenders and risk assessments, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
* Mentor, line manage and support junior team members, fostering their professional growth.
* Contribute to company processes, maintaining high standards of service delivery and report quality.
Principal Ecologist Responsibilities (in addition to the above):
* Provide technical leadership, offering detailed reviews of reports, Natural England licences, and deliverables.
* Offer strategic input into the company’s growth, identifying new opportunities for innovation and process improvement.
Who You Are
You’re an experienced ecologist with a passion for making a difference, eager to share your skills and work collaboratively within a team. You thrive in a flexible environment, enjoy working on diverse projects at the Project Manager level, and are driven to push ecological best practices forward.
Essential Experience & Skills:
* Extensive experience within UK ecological consultancy, with proven project management experience.
* A detailed knowledge of UK ecology, environmental law, and protected species mitigation.
* A proven track record of managing clients and delivering projects within residential and commercial sectors.
* Expertise in writing, proofreading, and reviewing technical reports, including BNG assessments.
* Strong line management skills with a proactive approach to knowledge sharing.
* A valid UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (insured for business use).
* Experience in mid to large-scale residential and commercial developments.
* Mentoring experience.
* Holding a Natural England EPS survey licence or a relevant specialism.
* Strong botanical knowledge.
* Being the named ecologist or licence holder on Natural England EPS mitigation licences.
* Experience with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and/or Habitat Regulation Assessments (HRAs).
What We Offer You
At GES, we know great people deserve great benefits. Here’s what we provide to support your professional growth and personal well-being:
* Flexible Working Options: Home-based, hybrid, or office-based—whatever suits you best.
* True TOIL & Overtime Scheme: Your time is valuable—out-of-hours work is rewarded with time off in lieu or overtime payment.
* Unlimited Training Budget: Access to continuous opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and career support.
* Perks & Bonuses: Paid volunteering day, generous bonus schemes, two pension options to choose from, paid CIEEM membership, Natural England licence renewals, an additional paid day off on your birthday, and access to the cycle-to-work scheme and well-being initiatives. Enhanced sick pay, enhanced family policy and loyalty bonus. We are also trialling an “out-of-season 9-day full-pay fortnight.”
* Time Off: 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, and a paid day off on your birthday.
* Team Culture: Regular optional team events, including walks, socials, and virtual coffee catch-ups to maintain our strong sense of community.
How to Apply
Ready to take the next step, if so, please send your CV and cover letter to Florence Hodsdon at flo@greenspace-ecology.co.uk, quoting Eco24. Be sure to mention the role you’re applying for, your location, and whether you’re seeking full-time or part-time hours.
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