A Surge in Demand and a Shortage of Senior Talent.

Over the past 12 to 18 months, the market for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and related consultancy services has picked up considerably.

Driven by new policy requirements around biodiversity net gain, nature recovery and planning regulation, alongside continued growth in infrastructure, energy and development, consultancies are seeing a sharp increase in demand for EIA expertise, ecological surveys, scoping, consenting and monitoring.

From a recruitment perspective, opportunities are plentiful, particularly at senior and principal level. Many firms have strong project pipelines but are finding it difficult to secure the right people to deliver them.

The tightest pinch point is for professionals who can combine technical delivery with leadership, managing clients, mentoring teams and driving business growth.

For experienced environmental specialists, this is an excellent moment. Roles are opening up, budgets are improving and candidates who can blend technical skill with commercial awareness are in high demand.

💰 Salary overview – what the market looks like

While salaries vary depending on employer size, sector and region, here is a realistic picture of current market levels.

Consultant and Early Career

  • Graduate and junior consultants typically earn £24,000 to £35,000
    • Those with one to three years’ experience usually earn £32,000 to £34,000
    • In London and the South East, pay is typically five to eight percent higher

Mid to Senior (Senior Consultant and Principal)

  • Senior EIA Consultant roles usually sit between £37,000 and £57,000, averaging around the mid-forties
    • Senior Environmental Consultants in London often earn £52,000 to £61,000 depending on experience
    • Principal, Associate and Technical Director roles can reach £55,000 to £85,000 or more depending on scope and responsibility

Regional versus London Comparison

  • Roles in London and the South East continue to command a clear premium
    • Outside London, salaries are typically lower, with junior and mid-level roles around £28,000 to £40,000
    • Senior and principal roles outside London remain strong but often sit a few thousand below the capital, with fewer bonuses or perks

🔑 Key takeaways for candidates and employers

For experienced candidates
This is a great time to be active. Many firms are ready to hire and want to secure senior talent who can deliver projects end to end, combining technical expertise, client engagement and commercial focus.

For candidates at senior or principal level
This is very much a buyer’s market. Highlight your leadership, business development and stakeholder management alongside your technical expertise. London roles may pay more, but regional opportunities can offer better work life balance and flexibility.

For salary expectations
Use these figures as a benchmark, but look at the full package — bonus potential, benefits, flexible working, professional development and career progression. A senior role in London at around £60,000 base with a bonus is broadly in line with current market levels, while a regional equivalent around £45,000 may still represent excellent value when the total offer is considered.

For companies looking to hire
Culture, progression, flexibility and mentoring are now major differentiators. The right candidates are selective, and while vacancies are plentiful, the pool of senior professionals who bring technical, leadership and commercial strength remains limited. Presenting a clear, attractive proposition will make a real difference.

The EIA sector feels positive and full of momentum as we move further into 2025.
For candidates ready to take the next step, and for employers keen to attract the best, now is the time to act.

📩 If you would like to discuss current opportunities or hiring strategies in confidence, feel free to get in touch.

#EIA #EnvironmentalJobs #SustainabilityCareers #BiodiversityNetGain #EcologyJobs #EnvironmentalConsultancy #RecruitmentInsights #NatureRecovery

 

JM Pic

Written by:
Jeremy Money
Director, JSM Associates

I have worked within the Environmental and Sustainability sector for 20 years, making me one of the most established and well connected networkers in the market.

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