Associate/Principal Ecologist

Building Biodiversity Better
Step out of the ordinary and shape the future of ecology.
At Ecology by Design, we’re redefining what it means to be an ecological consultant - blending scientific rigour with creativity, innovation, and a genuine commitment to restoring nature. If you’re a Principal or Associate level Ecologist ready to take ownership of your work, influence project outcomes, and lead with purpose, this is your moment. You’ll join a passionate, forward-thinking team where autonomy, trust and technical excellence go hand in hand - and where your ideas shape landscapes, policy, and the next generation of ecological practice.
For the right candidates is also a chance to open and run your own office backed by us.
We are Ecology by Design.
Principal / Associate Ecologist
Contract: Full-time, Permanent - Part-time and flexible working considered
English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savils, Oxfordshire County Council, Ridge
Why Join Ecology by Design?
At Ecology by Design, we’re not your typical corporate consultancy - and that’s exactly the point. We’re an independent, people-first ecology business built on trust, flexibility, and creativity.
Here, you manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them. Our offices are dog-friendly (yes, really), relaxed, and full of energy. You’ll be surrounded by passionate ecologists who care deeply about their work and each other.
We’re an SME with a genuinely awesome team culture - from summer Olympics and Three Peaks challenges to Friday drinks and spontaneous adventures, there’s always something happening if you want to get involved.
We see diversity as our collective superpower, and we’ll help you use yours to the max.
And if you’re someone who loves to explore new ideas - whether it’s experimenting with AI, testing new methodologies, or even building a new business from scratch - you’ll have our full support. Our trust-first policy means we back innovation, not bureaucracy.
If you’re ready to leave behind the corporate red tape and join a consultancy where flexibility, creativity, and people come first - Ecology by Design is the place for you.
Drive positive change to how people live with, work in and value the environment
• Have a constant drive for quality and client satisfaction
We are flexible and innovative, but we don’t compromise on quality
• We implement evidence-based, best-practice survey methods and mitigation
• Team members are challenged to grow and develop their talents/expertise
This is more than just a job - it’s a chance to contribute to meaningful environmental change while developing your career in a supportive, flexible, and dynamic workplace.
Deliver and/or lead a range of ecological consultancy work - including habitat surveys (Phase 1 / NVC / UK Habitats), protected species surveys, EcIAs, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, and mitigation design
• Manage and deliver projects across the Home Counties, South, and Midlands, ensuring high-quality, client-focused outcomes
• Undertake technical reviews of ecological reports and support consistent quality standards across the team
• Support, mentor, and guide colleagues (depending on experience level)
• Contribute to business development activities and help shape the growth of the consultancy
A genuine passion for ecology and environmental conservation
• Strong technical experience in habitat and/or protected species surveys
• Survey licence for at least one protected species (e.g. bats, GCN, dormouse) or demonstrable specialist expertise in another ecological field
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required
GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS - training available)
• Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology-related discipline
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working: a flexible mix of home and office base
• Excellent training and development, including an unlimited external training budget and in-house learning
• Apple computer and iPhone provided
• Generous pension scheme
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance
• A chance to help shape a growing consultancy’s culture and direction
Company Culture:
From encouraging people to take appropriate leave throughout projects and having in-house mental health support, keeping our team safe, healthy and feeling valued are all part of our company ethos. Whilst quality and timeliness of surveying and reporting is core to our business, we like to have fun too.
If you’re an ecologist looking to progress your career and make a tangible difference - whether stepping into senior responsibility or leading projects at a principal level - we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and join a values-driven consultancy where your work truly matters - to our clients, our communities, and the planet.
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