Senior Ecologist - Brighton
South Coast, South East • Up to £45K plus excellent benefits • Ref: JSM 1219
Posted 12th January 2026
Are you an experienced ecologist ready for your next step?
Based in Sussex, or tempted by a move to the coast for a fresh start?
Looking to join a close-knit, values-led consultancy with a long-standing reputation for quality?
If that sounds like you, this could be a brilliant opportunity.
My client is an established independent ecological consultancy with over 25 years of experience delivering high-quality, practical and well-considered ecological advice. Their Sussex office has grown into one of the leading consultancies in the South East, supporting a diverse client base across the public and private sectors.
Projects are varied and genuinely interesting, ranging from residential and mixed-use developments to brownfield regeneration, mineral extraction, solar farms, wetland creation and habitat banks, alongside smaller, locally focused schemes. The ecology team works closely with heritage, landscape and urban design colleagues to shape development that works for both people and wildlife.
The Role
This is a senior position offering real variety and influence. You will be involved from early strategic planning through to project delivery and implementation, coordinating high-quality ecological work and supporting the development of junior team members.
You will take on a client-facing role, leading and contributing to protected species surveys and technical outputs including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments and mitigation strategies. The role offers scope to shape projects, mentor others and further develop your own technical interests.
About You
You will be a motivated and enthusiastic ecologist with strong technical capability and a collaborative approach.
Essential experience includes:
A relevant ecology or biology degree, ideally 2:1 or above
Protected species and habitat survey experience, including UKHab and solid botanical skills
Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Confidence using MS Office and QGIS
A proactive, organised approach and the ability to manage multiple projects
Willingness to undertake a fair share of night-time surveys, with occasional overnight stays
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use
Membership of CIEEM at ACIEEM level or above
Desirable experience includes:
A strong technical specialism, particularly ornithology or botany
Personal survey licences for bats, dormice or other protected species
FISC Level 3 or above, or equivalent
What’s On Offer
My client places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, flexibility and long-term development, offering a genuinely supportive and inclusive working environment.
Benefits include:
Competitive salary, typically £35,000 to £45,000 for a Senior Ecologist
Permanent, full-time contract
Hybrid working, with up to two days a week from home
Flexible working around core hours
Annual profit-related and performance-based bonus
Paid overtime for out-of-hours survey work
25 days annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus a winter shutdown
Enhanced pension contributions over time
Annual company and team events with internal and external speakers
Family-friendly policies and volunteering days
Mobile phone and fieldwork clothing allowance
Generous training budget and strong commitment to CPD
Paid professional subscriptions and licence fees
Employee wellbeing support, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme
My client is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. They strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Contact Us
If you are interested in finding out more about this position or similar roles currently and would like a discreet non-committal chat, please contact Jeremy Money (jeremy@jsm-associates.co.uk). However, if you have not received a response within with-in one working week, please assume your application has been unsuccessful this time round. We will confidentially retain your details and inform you of any other suitable opportunities arising should you not be successful in this role.
This is one of a number of exciting positions currently available via JSM Associates. JSM offers an extensive range of jobs in the areas of Planning, CSR & Sustainability, Environmental Management, Remediation & Contaminated Land, EIA and Ecology, Geotechnics, Environmental Planning, Air Quality, Noise and Vibration Landscape.
Phone - 01934 312 155
Email - jeremy@jsm-associates.co.uk
Website - www.jsm-associates.co.uk
Twitter - @JSMAssociates
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