Ecology Consultant

Ecology by Design is currently looking to recruit a consultant ecologist to join the team.

Ecology by Design was setup in January 2015 and we have had consistent growth ever since. We strive to employ the best and brightest and reward hard work and dedication. We provide ecology consultancy services to a wide range of clients. We pride ourselves in technical excellence and providing an innovative, pragmatic, client friendly service. Due to our success, we have an excellent opportunity for multiple ecologists to join our team.

This role routinely involves conducting Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (habitat surveys), protected species surveys (typically newts, reptiles and mammals) and consultancy work including quoting, data analysis, reporting and project management. It would be perfect for someone wanting to take the next step on the career ladder and challenge themselves in a supportive environment. The project-based nature of our work means the candidate must be willing to undertake travel and work away from home with overnight stays, however, we work hard to ensure our team members achieve a work-life balance so have caps on the numbers of nights away or antisocial hours worked. Our aim is to ensure each of our ecologists becomes well-rounded consultants, achieved by conducting regular performance reviews to ensure you meet your personal goals, recognising your progression with appropriate promotions.

We work across the UK with the majority of our projects across the Home Counties, South and Midlands.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Genuine and demonstrable enthusiasm for ecology and the environment;
• Experienced at phase 1 habitat surveys and protected species surveys;
• Survey licence for at least one protected species e.g. bats;
• Ability to lead field teams;
• Good report writing skills;
• Motivated to work both independently and as part of a team, often in remote locations and sometimes during unsociable hours;
• Good communication skills both with colleagues, clients and third parties;
• Comfortable designing surveys;
• Full driving licence and use of a car; and
• The project-based nature of our work means the candidate must be wiling to undertake travel and work away from home with overnight stays.

Desirable skills:

• Advanced skills in one or more specialist ecological areas e.g. bats;
• Member of CIEEM or working towards it;
• Degree or equivalent in an ecology related discipline;
• Experience of using QGIS or ArcGIS;
• Comfortable generating new work and networking; and
• Experience of designing surveys and quoting for work;

Working for Ecology by Design

We offer:

• Apple computer and IPhone;
• Competitive salary;
• Professional memberships paid for;
• Unlimited in-house and external training budget;
• Colleague nominated bonus scheme;
• Generous pension;
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible approach to work time, balancing a healthy work life balance.

New perks added frequently, reflecting being part of an exciting and innovative young business.

The candidate must live within commuting distance to Chalgrove, Oxfordshire or be willing to relocate. However many of our staff mix working from home and the office on a flexible basis.

Being part of a young company offers excellent opportunities for rapid career progression.

This is an open-ended advertisement, so we reserve the right to close to new applications at any time. We aim to have the new positions filled during Summer 2026. However, we are always open to stand out candidates at any time of year.