Cobalt Recruitment
Senior to Associate Ecologist

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Senior to Associate Ecologist
Ready for your next step in Ecology – and fancy a 4-day working week on 5-day pay?
I’m working with a fantastic, forward-thinking environmental consultancy in Birmingham that is looking to strengthen its Ecology team with experienced Senior to Associate-level Ecologists.
This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who wants more than just another consultancy role. You’ll join a collaborative, people-focused business where you can take real ownership of projects, develop client relationships, mentor others and progress your career – while genuinely having more time outside of work.
The Opportunity
The opportunity will involve:
- Leading and managing a varied portfolio of ecological projects.
- PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
- Protected species surveys, licensing and mitigation strategies.
- Managing projects, budgets and client relationships.
- Reviewing technical reports and ensuring high-quality delivery.
- Supporting and mentoring junior Ecologists.
- Working closely with Landscape, Arboriculture and other environmental specialists.
- At Principal/Associate level, helping develop client relationships, win work and shape the growth of the team.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What They’re Looking For
- Consultancy experience within UK Ecology.
- Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
- Experience managing ecological projects and producing/reviewing technical reports.
- Strong survey skills, ideally including UKHab and protected species.
- CIEEM membership, ideally working towards Chartership.
- Protected species licence(s) would be advantageous.
- Strong client-facing and communication skills.
- An interest in mentoring, leadership and business development as you progress.
- Full UK driving licence.
Benefits


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- 4-day working week – 80% of the time for 100% of the pay.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Hybrid working – typically around 2 days per week office/site based.
- Excellent progression from Senior through to Principal and Associate.
- Genuine opportunity to take on leadership responsibility.
- Varied and interesting project portfolio.
- Supportive, collaborative team culture.
- Birmingham-based opportunity.
If you’re an experienced Ecologist in the Midlands who feels ready for more responsibility, better progression and a working week that gives you some of your life back, I’d love to have a confidential chat.
When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com or 07458161399.
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