Senior Ecologist

  • Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd
  • Aug 24, 2026
Full time Industrial

Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a growing, multidisciplinary environmental and sustainability consultancy in London. You'll become part of a collaborative ecology and biodiversity team working across a varied portfolio of development and planning projects, with a strong focus on Biodiversity Net Gain, ecological assessment and nature-positive development.

The Role

You'll take responsibility for delivering ecology and biodiversity projects from inception through to completion, while providing technical expertise to clients and wider multidisciplinary teams.

  • Leading and delivering ecology and biodiversity projects.
  • Preparing and technically reviewing PEAs, BNG Assessments, BREEAM Ecology reports and protected species reports.
  • Undertaking UKHab, PEA, bat and protected species surveys.
  • Completing BNG calculations using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
  • Producing habitat and BNG mapping using QGIS.
  • Designing and leading moderate-complexity bat and protected species surveys.
  • Attending client meetings and providing ecological advice throughout the planning process.
  • Supporting, mentoring and line managing junior ecologists.
  • Contributing to larger multidisciplinary sustainability and development projects.
About You

Ideally, you'll bring:

  • Strong consultancy experience within ecology and biodiversity.
  • Good knowledge of BNG, UKHab and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric.
  • Confidence using QGIS to produce high-quality habitat and survey mapping.
  • Experience independently undertaking PEAs and habitat surveys.
  • Experience designing and leading bat and/or other protected species surveys.
  • Good botanical identification skills, ideally around FISC Level 3.
  • Experience with BREEAM Ecology, EcIA, HRA or another specialist ecological discipline.
  • A relevant degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science or similar.
  • CIEEM membership, ideally at Full Member level.
  • Strong report writing, project management and client-facing skills.

Protected species licences would be advantageous but are not essential.

Why Consider It?

This is a great opportunity for someone looking for more than just another consultancy position. You'll join a supportive and forward-thinking team where you can develop technically, take greater ownership of projects and help shape the development of junior ecologists.

The package includes:

  • Competitive salary + potential discretionary bonus.
  • Hybrid working from London.
  • 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
  • Enhanced pension contributions.
  • Excellent training and professional development.
  • Opportunities to contribute to industry best practice.
  • Enhanced family policies.
  • Two volunteering days each year.
  • Option to work abroad for a set period each year.
  • Health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits.
  • Regular team socials.