Job Description

• Job Title:Senior/Principal Ecologist
• Location:Hybrid – based from Prockters Farm Office, West Monkton, Taunton, with flexible remote working options
• Salary:£35,000–£45,000, dependent on experience and level
• Contract:Permanent / Full-Time
• Hours:37.5 hours per week, flexible working considered

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced ecologist to join our team in a role that flexes between Senior and Principal level, depending on your experience and aspirations. This is an opportunity to play a key part in the delivery of high-quality ecological consultancy within a small, values-led business.

Whether you’re a confident Senior Ecologist ready to take the next step into Principal responsibilities, or an established Principal Ecologist seeking greater influence and variety in a tight-knit team, this role offers scope to shape your own progression. You’ll be supported to balance technical project work, leadership responsibilities, and the management of operational systems.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Oversight

• Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of ecology projects, from preliminary surveys to complex mitigation and licensing.
• Ensure delivery to time, budget and quality standards.
• Oversee or directly manage ecological inputs across project tiers (from baseline surveys to EIAs and BNG support).
• Contribute to report writing, review, and sign-off.

Team Leadership & Mentoring

• Provide mentoring, technical guidance and support to junior staff.
• Help oversee work allocation and staff capacity in collaboration with the management team.
• Be a positive role model and promote a healthy, inclusive team culture.

Process & Operations

• Champion the effective use of project management tools and systems (e.g., timesheets, Planner, HR processes).
• Contribute to improving internal systems for project tracking, reporting, and workflow management.
• Actively integrate feedback to enhance operational effectiveness.

Client & Business Development

• Maintain strong relationships with existing clients and identify opportunities for growth.
• Contribute to tendering and proposals where appropriate.
• Represent the business externally and support its strategic aims.

What We’re Looking For

• Significant experience in ecological consultancy, including survey design, reporting, and mitigation.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Experience managing or mentoring others (line management desirable but not essential).
• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policies, including the UKHab classification.
• Confident communicator with clients and colleagues alike.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
• Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and metric tools.
• CIEEM membership or equivalent.
• Bat licence (level 2 (CL18) or above).

Desirable (but not essential)

• Other survey licences such as GCN, Dormouse or Barn Owl.
• Experience in compiling and submitting Natural England mitigation licences.

Development Potential

We are a small and growing company, and we’re keen to find someone who wants to shape and grow with us. For the right person, this role can evolve into (or continue as) a full Principal Ecologist position. You’ll have autonomy, influence, and a supportive environment to build on your leadership strengths.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Very flexible working hours including options for hybrid working.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Overtime pay for out-of-hours bat surveys or TOIL options.
• Bespoke training budget for professional development and career progression.
• Company pension scheme.
• Supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Attractive optional company benefits and performance-based incentives.
• Clear progression pathways towards Principal Ecologist or managerial roles, or specialised licensing in other protected species.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced ecologist looking for the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you!

Please submit yourCV and a cover letterdetailing your experience and suitability for the role toenquiries@quantockecology.co.uk.

For an informal chat about the position, please contact our Director,Simonon01823 414457.

We look forward to welcoming the right candidate to our growing team!