Principal / Associate Ecologist - Launch your own Ecology office

Job DescriptionBuilding Biodiversity BetterStep 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. Here, your expertise isn’t boxed in by bureaucracy or lost in endless process. It drives real-world change.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.This isn’t just another consultancy role, it’s a chance to be part of a movement that puts biodiversity, innovation, and people at the heart of everything we do. For the right candidates is also a chance to open and run your own office backed by us.We are Ecology by Design.The Role at a GlancePrincipal / Associate Ecologist UK South East  / Midlands Salary: Negotiable, depending on expertise  Plus Benefits Contract: Full-time, Permanent - Part-time and flexible working consideredPedigree: CIEEM Registered Practice. Certified “Great Place to Work Clients include: English Heritage, Knight Frank, Savils, Oxfordshire County Council, RidgeWhy 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.Forget timesheets, clock-watching, and rigid hierarchies. Here, you manage your own hours, work where you work best, and take unlimited holidays when you need them. We believe happy, trusted people do their best work - so we give you the freedom to shape how you work, not just what you do.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’re proud to be diverse and inclusive, with team members from all backgrounds - LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and from a wide mix of cultures and experiences. 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.We aim to:• Drive positive change to how people live with, work in and value the environment • Achieve better outcomes for biodiversity • Have a constant drive for quality and client satisfactionCompany Values:Every member of the team is valued and:• We go the extra mile to achieve better outcomes for biodiversity • 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/expertiseThis 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.Key Responsibilities:• 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 consultancyAbout You:Essential:• 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 • Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team • A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as requiredDesirable:• Experience in EcIA, BNG, BREEAM, or related ecological assessments • Experience of mentoring or line management (particularly for Principal-level candidates) • GIS experience (QGIS/ArcGIS - training available) • CIEEM membership (or eligibility) • Degree (or equivalent) in an ecology-related discipline • Advanced or multiple species licences (e.g. Bat Low Impact, Badger) • Experience or interest in client development and consultancy growthWhat We Offer:• 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 • Paid professional memberships (e.g. CIEEM) • Apple computer and iPhone provided • Generous pension scheme • Unlimited annual leave and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance • A supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise are valued • A chance to help shape a growing consultancy’s culture and directionCompany Culture:We maintain a healthy, team orientated, supportive culture. Communication is key to all that we do, both with clients and across the company.We prioritise the health and well-being of our staff. 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.Application notice... We take your privacy seriously. As you might expect you may be contacted by email, text or telephone. 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