Consult Sustain
Associate Ecologist – Department Lead
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About the Role
We are seeking an experienced ecologist to join Consult Sustain as our lead ecology consultant and department head. You will build and manage our growing ecology team, lead client delivery across a diverse portfolio, and drive business development to bring in new commissions. This is a hybrid role combining hands-on ecological expertise with leadership and business development responsibilities.
The Opportunity
Consult Sustain delivers specialist sustainability and ecology services to architects, developers, and planning consultants across the UK. We work on high-profile residential, commercial, and mixed-use schemes, often at planning application and detailed design stages. You will lead our ecology offering, managing project delivery while developing new client relationships and positioning Consult Sustain as a trusted ecology partner.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver Phase 1 and Phase 2 ecological appraisals (Phase 2/Extended Phase 1) for planning applications and environmental statements
- Conduct and supervise Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments using the statutory habitat metric, including desktop and field survey work
- Manage specialist ecology surveys including: breeding birds, wintering birds, bats (activity surveys, emergence/return surveys, roost characterisation), great crested newts, reptiles, invertebrates, aquatic ecology, and protected species licensing liaison
- Undertake seasonal and year-round surveys as required by ecological standards and guidance
- Develop and mentor junior ecology staff, ensuring quality delivery and technical compliance
- Lead client relationships, providing clear communication and managing project scope and timelines
- Identify and pursue new ecology opportunities through planning consultants, architects, developers, and housing associations
- Build and maintain relationships with key industry contacts, supporting business development activities
- Contribute to fee proposals and project budgeting; ensure projects remain profitable and on-track
- Ensure compliance with BS 42020 (Biodiversity Surveys), CIEEM Code of Professional Conduct, and relevant wildlife legislation
- Support delivery of integrated sustainability and ecology services alongside BREEAM, energy, and design teams
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What We Are Looking For
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related biological discipline; or equivalent professional experience
- Current or recent membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management) or equivalent professional body
- Minimum 5+ years professional ecology experience in UK built environment consultancy or environmental assessment
- Hands-on experience delivering Phase 1 and Phase 2 ecological appraisals for planning applications
- Demonstrated experience with BNG assessment and habitat metric calculations
- Competence in at least two of the following: breeding birds, bats, great crested newts, reptiles, or invertebrates
- Knowledge of UK ecological survey standards, including BS 42020, CIEEM guidelines, and relevant legislation (Wildlife and Countryside Act, Environment Act 2021)
- Experience managing client relationships and project delivery within consultancy or similar environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce professional reports and liaise with planning authorities and ecologists
Desirable
- Protected species survey licenses (bats, great crested newts, protected birds) or experience supporting licensed activity
- Experience with ecology-specific software (e.g., iRecord, biological recording databases, GIS)
- Familiarity with planning policy and sustainable development in England (London Plan, Future Homes Standard, biodiversity net gain policy)
- Experience or interest in environmental statement preparation or EIA screening
- Some business development or team management experience
- Interest in sustainability and wider built environment practice (BREEAM, energy, design)
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What We Offer
- Competitive salary reflective of experience and CIEEM status (circa £35–45k depending on background)
- The opportunity to lead and grow our ecology practice
- Hybrid working arrangement: based at our Bromley office with flexibility for client meetings and fieldwork
- Ongoing professional development and support for CIEEM CPD
- Exposure to high-quality residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects
- Collaborative working with architects, planners, and sustainability specialists
- Clear pathway to senior consultant/associate roles
- Pension scheme, health insurance, and standard employment benefits
About Consult Sustain
Consult Sustain is a specialist sustainability and ecology consultancy based at Bromley. We provide BREEAM assessment, energy modelling, overheating analysis, ecology and biodiversity net gain, whole life carbon, and sustainability strategy services to developers, architects, and planning consultants across the UK. We work on schemes ranging from small residential conversions to major mixed-use regeneration projects.
How to Apply
Please send your CV, a covering letter (no longer than one page) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience, and contact details for two professional references to:
Consult Sustain is an equal opportunities employer.
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