Senior Ecologist

  • Penguin Recruitment
  • Southampton, Hampshire
  • Feb 19, 2026
Full time Industrial

Job Description

An established and growing environmental consultancy in Southampton is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality ecological services across the South of England. This is an opportunity for a commercially aware, technically strong ecologist to shape projects from inception to completion-working across residential, commercial, infrastructure, and conservation schemes. The successful candidate will bring expertise, leadership, and strategic insight to a dynamic and collaborative team.



What's on Offer;

  • Competitive salary based on experience

  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

  • Paid professional memberships and CPD support

  • Clear pathway to Associate level and beyond

  • A collaborative, forward-thinking culture

  • Opportunity to shape strategy within a growing consultancy

As a Senior Ecologist you will;

  • Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of ecological projects

  • Design and oversee surveys (PEA, protected species, BNG, habitat condition assessments)

  • Produce high-quality technical reports and review work from junior team members

  • Provide strategic ecological input at planning and design stages

  • Mentor and develop early-career ecologists

  • Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships



The ideal candidate will offer;

  • Extensive field survey experience and protected species knowledge
  • Strong report writing and project management capability

  • A sound understanding of planning policy and biodiversity net gain

  • Protected species licences (desirable)

  • Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM)

  • A proactive, solutions-focused mindset



This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated Senior Ecologist to take the next step in their career-leading projects that make a measurable difference to biodiversity while contributing to the growth and success of a respected environmental practice in Southampton.

If you'd like to hear more about the role, please contact Ashleigh Garner from Penguin Recruitment.