Senior Ecologist / Project Manager - Kent or Sussex

We are seeking a Senior Ecologist / Project Manager to join our growing team based in Kent or Sussex, with flexibility for cross region remote working.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to step up into a senior role, or for an established Senior Consultant seeking a new challenge and the chance to play a key role in a developing and ambitious business.

About the Role

You will be responsible for managing a variety of ecological projects and contributing to technical work across a range of disciplines. The role offers the opportunity to undertake a broad range of survey work, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), mitigation and habitat creation, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and protected species surveys, including European Protected Species Mitigation Licence (EPSML) applications.

You will work closely with the Kent-based or Sussex-based team and collaborate with colleagues across the wider business. Depending on your experience, you will also have opportunities to mentor and coach junior colleagues, as well as manage projects or tasks within multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing and delivering a range of ecological projects from inception to completion
• Preparing high-quality proposals, reports, and technical documents
• Undertaking and overseeing ecological and protected species surveys
• Preparing and submitting EPSML applications
• Liaising effectively with clients, consultees, and other environmental disciplines
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members
• Ensuring work is completed to the highest technical and professional standards

About You

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in ecology or a related subject
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a similar consultancy role
• Ideally hold at least two protected species survey licences (a bat licence is preferable)
• Experience preparing and submitting EPSMLs
• Strong understanding of protected species technical work and ecological legislation
• Experience with project management, client liaison, and proposal preparation
• Full membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to apply /upgrade)
• A valid UK driving licence and willingness to work flexible hours and travel to sites as required
• An MSc or PhD in a relevant subject is desirable but not essential
• Experience with other protected species or as a botanist would be advantageous

What We Offer

• Competitive salary from £32,000 dependent on experience and licences held
• Profit-related loyalty bonus scheme
• 22 days’ annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Option to use a company vehicle or claim mileage for project-related travel
• Opportunity to accrue extra annual leave from overtime worked during the summer, for use in the winter
• Full coverage of your CIEEM membership fees
• £750 annual training budget and larger budgets for specific training goals
• Access to high-quality equipment to support your fieldwork
• Health and Wellbeing programme
• Private medical insurance
• Private dental cover
• Company sick pay
• Hybrid flexible working (2 days per week office attendance)
• A friendly, sociable, and inclusive working environment where your contribution is valued

We have long prioritised making working hours more manageable for our staff. As early adopters of night vision aids over 12 years ago, we were quick to remove dawn bat surveys from staff workloads. Several years ago, we also introduced a ‘cash back hours’ system, allowing staff to take time back during their working week.

We are always looking to go further. In 2026 we will be bringing forward proposals to explore additional reduced working hours approaches with a strong focus on staff wellbeing and sustainable performance.

We welcome applications from individuals who believe a high-performance working style balanced with a meaningful recovery time, would enable them to thrive.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and recognise the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on objective criteria and without regard to age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation; protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Our organisation is committed not only to meeting its legal obligations but also to the positive promotion of equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.