Senior Ecologist

ZipRecruiter; North Tawton; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 40,000

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced Senior Ecologist looking for your next challenge? Do you want to work on a variety of exciting projects that balance wildlife conservation with development? If so, we would love to hear from you!

At Lakeway Ecological Consultancy, we are a small but growing wildlife-focused ecological consultancy based in the heart of Devon. Due to our continued success, we are looking for a passionate and skilled Senior Ecologist to join our team.

Why Join Us?

1. Career Growth: A fantastic opportunity to develop your consultancy career with the support of experienced ecologists and conservationists.
2. Diverse Projects: Work on everything from small-scale developments to large conservation and monitoring projects.
3. Flexible Working: Office-based in Okehampton, with hybrid or remote working options considered.
4. Work-Life Balance: TOIL policy in place to support a healthy work schedule.

About the Role

As a Senior Ecologist, you will:

1. Manage and lead projects, including ecological surveys (PEA, dormouse, reptile, bat surveys), mitigation strategies, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, HRA and Phosphate Assessments.
2. Work closely with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for wildlife and development.
3. Provide mentorship to junior team members and peer review reports as part of our Quality Assurance process.
4. Conduct and oversee protected species surveys and mitigation, with a focus on bat licensing (EPSL).

Who We Are Looking For

Essential:

1. A degree in Ecology or related subject.
2. Minimum 4 years’ experience in consultancy/nature conservation.
3. Experience with UKHab, BNG Assessments, protected species surveys & mitigation.
4. Strong communication skills, including liaising with Natural England, County Ecologists & Local Authorities.
5. Level 2 bat licence, with experience in EPSL mitigation licensing (licence holder or accredited agent).
6. A full UK driving licence (or alternative means to travel to remote survey sites).

Desirable:

1. FISC Level 4 or equivalent botanical skills.
2. Experience mentoring or managing staff.
3. Experience conducting HRA assessments.

What We Offer

1. Salary: £33,000 – £40,000 (depending on experience)
2. Full-time (37.5 hrs) or Part-time (min. 3 days/week)
3. Holidays: 20 days + bank holidays + birthday off + Christmas shutdown (minimum 33 days total)
4. Training & Development: Access to external and in-house training
5. Professional Membership Fees Covered (CIEEM, licences, vaccinations)
6. Attendance at a UK conference of your choice each year
7. Pension Contribution: 5% employer contribution
8. Regular check-ins with Directors to support staff well-being

How to apply

Send your CV and a covering letter (max 2 pages) detailing how you meet the role requirements to [e-mail]

Questions? Call us on 01837 218016

We aim to acknowledge receipt of all applications within five working days.

This opportunity will close as soon as the role is filled.