Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist

Banbury, Oxfordshire - Hybrid Working

£38,000 - £45,000 + Excellent Benefits

Bennett & Game Recruitment are pleased to be working with a leading multidisciplinary environmental consultancy seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their established terrestrial ecology team based in Banbury.

The successful candidate will take a leading role across a diverse portfolio of projects throughout Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and the surrounding region. Projects will span the residential, commercial, renewable energy and mixed-use development sectors.

This position offers an excellent balance of technical ecology work, project management and client engagement. The Senior Ecologist will lead survey programmes, produce high-quality technical reports and support the development of junior team members while collaborating with specialists across a range of environmental disciplines.

Senior Ecologist Salary & Benefits

Salary of £38,000 - £45,000 depending on experience
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
33 days annual leave including bank holidays
One additional day of annual leave for every three years of service up to five additional days
Option to carry forward up to five days of annual leave
Option to buy or sell up to five days of annual leave per year
Employer pension contributions with the opportunity for increased contributions
Private medical insurance following successful completion of probation
Income protection covering 75% of salary following a qualifying period
Life assurance of four times annual salary
Enhanced company sick pay
One paid volunteering day per year
One professional membership paid annually
Cycle to Work Scheme up to the value of £3,000
Comprehensive training and professional development
Supportive social, wellbeing and employee network groups
Excellent opportunities for progression within a growing environmental consultancySenior Ecologist Job Overview

Lead and deliver ecological surveys across a diverse portfolio of development projects
Undertake UK Habitat Classification and Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
Coordinate and oversee protected species surveys
Manage fieldwork programmes, survey teams and project resources
Produce high-quality technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Environmental Statement chapters and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
Provide technical ecological advice to clients and project teams
Manage small to medium-sized ecological projects from initial instruction through to completion
Prepare project programmes, budgets and scopes of work
Monitor project delivery against agreed timescales and budgets
Liaise with clients, planning authorities, statutory bodies and other project stakeholders
Review technical work and maintain high standards across project deliverables
Mentor and support junior members of the ecology team
Collaborate with specialists across a range of environmental disciplines
Contribute to the continued growth and reputation of the ecology team
Undertake occasional travel and overnight stays where requiredSenior Ecologist Job Requirements

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or another relevant discipline
Typically three or more years' professional experience within ecological consultancy
Strong terrestrial ecology field survey skills
Experience undertaking UK Habitat Classification and/or Phase 1 Habitat Surveys
Experience undertaking protected species surveys
Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and relevant planning policy
Experience producing high-quality ecological reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments
Experience producing Environmental Statement chapters and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
Experience managing fieldwork programmes and survey teams
Experience managing small to medium-sized ecology projects
Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills
Ability to support and mentor junior colleagues
Full or Associate membership of CIEEM or eligibility to obtain membership
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
Willingness to travel when required
Full UK driving licenceThis is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in their career with a highly regarded consultancy offering varied projects, flexible working and genuine opportunities for continued professional development.

Candidates who do not meet every requirement are still encouraged to apply as the company is open to supporting professional development and considering flexible or part-time working arrangements.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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