Senior Ecologist

Location: Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 – Hybrid + Field work across Norfolk.

Norfolk Wildlife Services are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join the team.

About Norfolk Wildlife Services

Norfolk Wildlife Services (NWS) is the ecological consultancy of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the oldest Wildlife Trust in the country.

We provide expert ecological advice and practical services to clients and partners, supporting the creation of a wilder Norfolk. Our work directly contributes to the Trust’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 NWS while supporting NWT’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.

We are looking for someone with a degree in ecology (or equivalent), 3 years+ of relevant consultancy experience with associate or full CIEEM membership. We 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

We offer competitive pay, generous pension contributions, comprehensive sick pay and life insurance, alongside strong support for ongoing professional development. Our 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 at NWT Head Office, Bewick House, Norwich (flexibility on interview dates given Easter holidays).

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We value respect, integrity, trust and responsibility. We want our people to be as diverse as nature itself and so we particularly encourage applications from those currently under-represented within our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We welcome people of all backgrounds and levels of experience with nature, and continually strive to improve our culture and practices. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. Please let us know if you require any adjustment processes to make our recruitment process more accessible.

No agencies please.