Senior Ecologist

Bennett and game are recruiting for a Senior Ecologist who is required to join a well-established and values-led ecological consultancy based near Lodsworth, West Sussex. The consultancy delivers a wide range of ecological services across the South of England, working on residential developments, historic buildings, renewable energy schemes, habitat banks, biodiversity audits and community engagement projects.The successful Senior Ecologist will manage their own portfolio of projects, undertake and oversee protected species surveys, prepare technical reports and support junior members of the team. The consultancy works with a broad range of private and charitable clients, including regular projects for prominent conservation and heritage organisations.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Ecologist or Senior Ecologist seeking varied project work, strong career development and a supportive working environment. The company is currently operating a successful four-day working week trial, with employees working 32 hours across Monday to Thursday.Senior Ecologist Salary & BenefitsSalary of £35,000-£40,00032-hour working week across Monday to ThursdayHybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week from the Lodsworth office25.5 days' annual leave inclusive of Bank HolidaysFull private medical insuranceAdditional payment of £6 per hour for unsociable hoursAccess to company pool vehicles for work purposesAnnual salary reviewsOngoing training and career developmentExposure to specialist survey equipment including thermal cameras, infrared cameras, static acoustic recorders, trail cameras and dronesSenior Ecologist Job RequirementsRelevant degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related disciplineApproximately four or more years' experience within UK ecological consultancyExperience independently managing ecology projects from initial survey through to reporting and deliveryStrong experience producing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species reports and mitigation strategiesKnowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological best practiceExperience undertaking and leading protected species surveysAt least one protected species survey licence is highly desirable, with bat licensing experience particularly advantageousExperience preparing or supporting EPS mitigation licence applications would be beneficialConfidence liaising with clients, contractors and planning professionalsExperience supervising surveys and supporting junior ecologistsStrong written and verbal communication skillsFull UK driving licenceWillingness to travel across southern England and occasionally further afieldAbility to attend the Lodsworth office at least two days per weekSenior Ecologist Job ResponsibilitiesManage a varied portfolio of ecological consultancy projectsUndertake, coordinate and lead protected species and habitat surveysPrepare high-quality technical reports, including PEAs, EcIAs and protected species reportsProduce mitigation, enhancement and habitat management recommendationsSupport and prepare protected species licence applicationsManage project budgets, deadlines and client expectationsPrepare quotations and fee proposalsLiaise with clients, planning authorities and other project stakeholdersSupervise and mentor junior ecologistsReview survey data and contribute to technical quality assuranceSupport Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, habitat bank projects and habitat creation schemesAssist with the development and implementation of emerging survey techniques and digital data collection methodsBennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.TPBN1_UKTJ