Ecologist / Senior Ecologist

> Are you an experienced ecologist looking for a new challenge?

> Are you based in Sussex or looking to relocate for a fresh start (by the seaside?!)

> Do you want to work as part of a close-knit team of committed ecologists, for an independent firm which has held a strong reputation for high quality work for over 25 years?

If the answer to the questions above is 'yes' then CSA Environmental would love to hear from you! We are looking for an experienced ecological consultant to join our team in Brighton.

The CSA Sussex office opened its doors in 2015 and has firmly established itself as one of the leading consultancies in the south-east, providing ecological advice to a range of clients from house builders and land agents, to Local Authority and private sector clients. Projects include new greenfield residential development, brownfield and mineral extraction sites, solar farms, wetland creation and habitat bank projects (and we get our fair share of interesting local small-scale projects too).

Our four ecology teams (comprising >40 ecologists in total) work closely with each other, as well as our heritage, landscape and urban design teams to bring forward well-considered development proposals. We work hard to achieve schemes which deliver for people and for wildlife.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Our variety of projects and clients provides a diverse and interesting range of work. You will have opportunities to be involved from the strategic planning phase of projects through to implementation. You will be coordinating and delivering high-quality work and helping to develop junior members of the team. As a experienced team member, you will also have an important client facing role. You will be technically accomplished and will coordinate and/or lead protected species surveys, prepare and/or oversee PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments, mitigation strategies and more.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for friendly, highly motivated and conscientious individuals, who demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for ecology.

Essential

• Relevant ecology/biology degree (2:1 or above desirable)
• Protected species survey experience
• Habitat survey experience (including UKHab) and sound botanical skills
• Strong working knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation
• Excellent written English and verbal communication skills
• Skilled with MS Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and QGIS
• Hard-working and willing to take on new challenges
• Highly organised, able to multi-task and a strong team player who works well with others
• Forward thinking, with a keen interest in staying up to date with the latest survey techniques, guidance and innovations
• Willingness to undertake a reasonable share of night-time surveys, including occasional overnight stays (accommodation and subsistence paid)
• Full, clean UK driving licence, with own car insured for business use
• Membership of CIEEM

Desirable

• Strong technical specialism (ideally ornithological or botanical)
• Personal survey licences for bats, dormice and/or other species
• FISC level 3 or above (or equivalent)

WHAT WE OFFER

A healthy work-life balance is very important to us and we seek to provide a supportive, friendly and attractive place to work. In addition, we offer an exciting benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary and a permanent (ideally full-time) contract
• Hybrid working, with the option to work from home up to 2 days a week
• Flexible working around core hours
• Annual profit related and performance-based bonus scheme
• Overtime pay arrangement for out-of-hours survey work
• 25 days annual leave (3 days to be taken during our winter shutdown), increasing to 30 days with length of service
• Company pension contribution, which increases with length of service
• Annual Company and Ecology Team Days, with internal and external speakers
• Family friendly policies and volunteering days
• Mobile phone and field work clothing allowance
• Commitment to continued professional development, including a generous training allowance for external training courses targeted at your areas of interest and development
• Paid subscription to CIEEM/protected species licence fees
• Commitment to employee wellbeing, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first-aiders

We are committed to encouraging equality and diversity and welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds. We aim to create an environment in which individual differences and their contributions are recognised and valued.

Closing Date: 31 January 2026