Senior Ecologist

Associate Ecologist

Salary: £55,000+ DOE

Location:

Cambridge (hybrid / field-based)

Our client is a leading environmental consultancy delivering applied ecology, biodiversity, and sustainability services across the UK. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Associate Ecologist to join their Cambridge-based team.

This is a senior-level role offering the opportunity to lead high-profile ecological projects, influence technical direction, and play a key role in the growth and development of the ecology team.

The Associate Ecologist will take responsibility for managing and delivering complex ecological projects while providing technical leadership across the team. You will work closely with senior leadership and key clients to ensure consistently high standards of delivery.

• Lead ecological projects from proposal through to completion
• Provide technical oversight, mentoring, and quality assurance
• Manage client relationships and support business development
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the ecology function
• Provide expert input into assessment, licensing, and mitigation

• Delivery and review of PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, and BNG assessments
• Advising on protected species, habitats, and legislation
• Designing and overseeing surveys and mitigation strategies
• Supporting recruitment, training, and performance management
• Representing the ecology team internally and externally

You will be an experienced applied ecologist with strong consultancy and leadership capability.

You will ideally have:

• A degree (or higher) in ecology or a related discipline
• Significant experience in UK ecological consultancy
• CIEEM membership (or working towards it)
• A track record of managing projects and clients
• Strong knowledge of UK planning and wildlife legislation
• Protected species licence(s) (desirable but not essential)

• £55,000+ depending on experience
• Hybrid working from Cambridge
• Clear progression to Principal / Director level
• Ongoing professional development and chartership support
• High-quality projects with real environmental impact

Please contact James Hardie at Penguin Recruitment.