Senior​/Principal Ecologist - Ecology Design. Hybrid​/Remote

Building Biodiversity Better

Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology.

At Ecology by Design
, we’re redefining what it means to be an ecological consultant – blending scientific rigour with creativity, innovation, and a genuine commitment to restoring nature. Here, your expertise isn’t boxed in by bureaucracy or lost in endless process. It drives real‑world change.

If you’re a Senior or Principal Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. You’ll join a passionate, forward‑thinking team where autonomy, trust and technical excellence go hand in hand – and where your ideas shape landscapes, policy and the next generation of ecological practice.

This isn’t just another consultancy role, it’s a chance to be part of a movement that puts biodiversity, innovation and people at the heart of everything we do.

Ecologist (Senior / Principal Level)

Location:

Inviting candidates from c100 mile radius of Oxford / Chalgrove

Salary:
Negotiable, depending on expertise

Plus Benefits

Full‑time, Permanent – Part‑time and flexible working considered

CIEEM Registered Practice. Certified “Great Place to Work”

Clients include:
English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savils, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge

We’re an independent, people‑first ecology business built on trust, flexibility and creativity.

Forget timesheets, clock‑watching and rigid hierarchies. Here, you manage your own hours, work where you work best and take unlimited holidays when you need them. We believe happy, trusted people do their best work – so we give you the freedom to shape how you work, not just what you do.

Our offices are dog‑friendly, relaxed and full of energy. You’ll be surrounded by passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other.

We’re an SME with a genuinely awesome team culture – from summer Olympics and Three Peaks challenges to Friday drinks and spontaneous adventures, there’s always something happening if you want to get involved.

We’re proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from all backgrounds – LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and from a wide mix of cultures and experiences. We see diversity as our collective superpower and we’ll help you use yours to the max.

If you love exploring new ideas – whether it’s experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies or even building a new business from scratch – you’ll have our full support. Our trust‑first policy means we back innovation, not bureaucracy.

• Drive positive change to how people live with, work in and value the environment
• Achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• Have a constant drive for quality and client satisfaction

Every member of the team is valued and:

• We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity
• We are flexible and innovative, but we don’t compromise on quality
• We implement evidence‑based, best‑practice survey methods and mitigation
• Team members are challenged to grow and develop their talents/expertise

• Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work – including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and mitigation design
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South and Midlands, ensuring high‑quality, client‑focused outcomes
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards across the team
• Support, mentor and guide colleagues (depending on experience level)
• Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy

• A genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation
• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys
• Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g. bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required

• Exper…