Wharton Crossley
Senior Ecologist
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🌿 Senior Ecologist — Darwin Ecology | Shaftesbury or Bristol | £34–45K + Profit-Linked Bonus
I'm delighted to be supporting Darwin Ecology - a well-established ecological consultancy known for its "Integrated Conservation" ethos - as they look for a Senior Ecologist to help lead their growing team across Shaftesbury and Bristol.
This is a role for an experienced ecologist ready to step into a genuine leadership position — mentoring junior team members, shaping the direction of regional projects, and contributing to wider business strategy, not just delivering technical work.
The role:
- Overseeing regional projects and managing a small team of ecologists
- Mentoring, coaching and developing junior ecologists as they progress through their careers
- Contributing to business strategy and the wider direction of the consultancy
- Producing technical reports, including protected species licence applications
- Client relationships, fee proposals, tenders and project management
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What you'll bring:
- Several years' professional experience within a UK ecological consultancy
- A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or a related field
- Managerial or leadership experience, ideally including mentoring
- A UK driving licence and your own vehicle
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Darwin Ecology is also open to candidates at Principal Ecologist level who want a role with real scope to help shape the business — if that's you, get in touch and we can discuss.
Desirable:
- Multiple protected species survey licences (bats especially valued)
- Mitigation licensing experience
- Named Ecologist, BMCL registered or Earned Recognition scheme capability
- CIEEM membership
- Experience with EIAs, HRAs or Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments
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What's on offer:
- Generous profit-linked annual bonus
- Hybrid and flexible working, 37.5-hour week, structured TOIL
- 25+ days annual leave, professional membership fees paid
- Pet-friendly offices and real flexibility to shape the role around your strengths
Darwin Ecology works across the south and south west of England, delivering bespoke, hands-on mitigation and enhancement solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches — an environment where leadership means real influence, not just a job title.
If you're ready for the next step up — or know someone who is — I'd welcome a confidential conversation.
📩 bsalt@whartoncrossley.com | 📞 +44 7743 422 453 | 🔗 linkedin.com/in/benjaminsalt
#Ecology #Conservation #SeniorEcologist #Leadership #Recruitment #Dorset #Bristol #CIEEM
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