Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist
Salary: £33,000 to £35,000 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full time
Location: Norwich, NR1 - Hybrid + Field work across Norfolk.

Our client is looking for a Senior Ecologist to join their team.

About the organisation

This service is the ecological consultancy for our client, the oldest Wildlife Trust in the country.

They provide expert ecological advice and practical services to clients and partners, supporting the creation of a wilder Norfolk. Their work directly contributes to our client's vision of a county where nature is thriving and valued by all, with all profits reinvested into nature recovery.

About the Role

As a Senior Ecologist, you will play a key role in biodiversity monitoring, ecological assessments and nature recovery delivery across Norfolk, helping drive the success of the consultancy while supporting our client's wider organisational goals. Your work will include protected species surveys, habitat assessments (including BNG), mitigation design, conservation advice, Ecological Clerk of Works duties and licencing. You will have line management responsibilities (where appropriate), deputise for the Head of Consultancy when needed, and maintain strong client relationships through high quality tender writing, reporting, communication and efficient project delivery.

Whether you're already an experienced Senior Ecologist or ready to take the next step, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact, leading projects that enrich Norfolk's wildlife while providing high quality ecological expertise that supports responsible and sustainable development.

The organisation is looking for someone with a degree in ecology (or equivalent), 3 years+ of relevant consultancy experience with associate or full CIEEM membership. They particularly welcome applicants who hold at least one Natural England (or equivalent) protected species licence, ideally Level 2 class licence for bats and Level 1 class licence for great crested newts.

You will thrive in a small, committed team and feel confident engaging with a diverse range of clients and projects. You will ideally have:

• Knowledge of UK environmental legislation and its practical application
• Experience in ecological field surveys, including UKHab and protected species
• Up-to-date understanding of survey guidance
• Strong report-writing skills, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, management plans, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain
• Previous experience in conservation or ecological consultancy
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business-use insurance

The employer offers competitive pay, generous pension contributions, comprehensive sick pay and life insurance, alongside strong support for ongoing professional development. Their work is hybrid with a mix of office, home-working and field work, and are also happy to discuss part-time or flexible working.

The closing date for applications is the 31st March 2026. However applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the vacancy will remain open until filled.

Interviews: Likely to take place within two weeks of application in Norwich (flexibility on interview dates given Easter holidays).

Interested?

To apply, please click the apply button. You will be taken to a simple CHM Recruit form where you can find out more information and complete your application by following the instructions.

The employer values respect, integrity, trust and responsibility. They want their people to be as diverse as nature itself and so they particularly encourage applications from those currently under-represented within their sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. They welcome people of all backgrounds and levels of experience with nature, and continually strive to improve their culture and practices.

They are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

No agencies please.