Senior Ecologist
Bristol, South Wales, South West, West Midlands • Up to £48K plus significant benefits • Ref: JSM 1229
Posted 26th January 2026
My client is a leading independent consultancy working at the forefront of nature, sustainability and the built environment. Guided by strong values and a collaborative culture, they support clients across the UK and internationally to deliver projects that enhance biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and create long-term environmental value.
Their Midlands and South West team is made up of around 35 experienced ecologists and nature-based specialists within a wider multi-disciplinary Climate and Sustainability Services group. The team works across a diverse and exciting portfolio including renewable energy, water and transport infrastructure, biodiversity strategy and policy, due diligence, and corporate biodiversity reporting.
This breadth of work provides outstanding opportunities to develop new skills and shape meaningful outcomes for nature and communities.
The Opportunity
My client is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their growing Midlands and South West team on a permanent basis. The role can be based in Birmingham, Bristol or Cardiff, with flexible working options available.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take a leading role in project delivery, mentor junior staff, and influence high-profile projects with real environmental impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
In this role, you will:
Lead and manage the delivery of ecological inputs across projects from bid stage through to completion, including client engagement, resourcing, budgets and programme management
Select, manage and coordinate sub-consultants and specialist inputs
Line manage and mentor junior ecologists, supporting their professional development
Advise on biodiversity design, restoration and enhancement, green infrastructure and wider nature-based solutions
Prepare and review high-quality technical reports, including:
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
Species survey reports
Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
Habitats Regulations Appraisals (HRA)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments
Habitat Management and Maintenance Plans (HMMPs)
Plan, manage and undertake field surveys, including Phase 1 Habitat / UKHab surveys and protected species surveys (e.g. bats, great crested newts, badger)
Analyse survey data and oversee the production of GIS outputs
About You
You will ideally have:
A bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Zoology, Geography, Biology or a related discipline (postgraduate qualification advantageous but not essential)
Associate or Full membership of CIEEM (or equivalent), working towards Chartership
Proven experience delivering ecological surveys and assessments, including EcIA and HRA
Experience in habitat design, management and monitoring
Knowledge of BNG and environmental metrics, with exposure to natural capital, biodiversity strategies, TNFD, IFC Performance Standard 6 or related nature-policy frameworks being advantageous
Experience managing sub-consultants within a consultancy or planning environment
A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required
Why Join My Client?
My client offers the chance to do purpose-driven work that genuinely makes a difference — for nature, communities and your career.
You’ll benefit from:
Competitive salary and benefits package
Flexible and hybrid working options
Private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and accident cover
A wide range of flexible benefits to support health, wellbeing and work–life balance
Ongoing learning, development and progression opportunities
A collaborative, inclusive culture where individuality is valued and expertise is respected
Diversity & Inclusion
My client is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Different perspectives are actively encouraged and seen as essential to delivering excellent outcomes for clients and the environment.
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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