What the Best Ecology Candidates Are Doing Differently in 2026Posted 10th February 2026

In a market where demand for ecologists continues to outpace supply, the strongest candidates in 2026 are standing out in ways that go beyond technical skill alone.

Yes, experience still matters. But what we’re increasingly seeing is that the ecologists who progress fastest are the ones taking ownership of their careers — and thinking beyond their day-to-day job descriptions.

Across consultancy, infrastructure, and in-house teams, being well-rounded is becoming the real differentiator.

Owning CPD and licences

High-performing candidates aren’t waiting for employers to lead on development. They’re actively managing their own CPD, keeping records up to date, and planning future competencies ahead of time.

That often looks like:

Maintaining and expanding protected species licences
Seeking exposure to new survey methods or reporting responsibility
Thinking ahead about where their skillset needs to be in a few years’ time
From a recruitment perspective, this signals ambition and long-term thinking — two things employers consistently look for when hiring at senior level.

Talking about impact, not just methods

One of the clearest differences we see is how strong candidates talk about their work.

Rather than listing survey types, they explain:

Why the work mattered
How their input influenced decisions
The constraints they helped navigate
As ecology becomes more embedded in planning and design, this ability to communicate impact — not just process — is increasingly important.

Commercial awareness is no longer optional

Commercial understanding isn’t just for managers anymore. Employers are looking for ecologists who understand the wider project context: timelines, client pressures, and regulatory risk.

This doesn’t mean compromising ecological standards. It means balancing best practice with real-world constraints and communicating confidently with planners, engineers, and clients.

Those who do this well tend to be trusted as advisors, not just technical specialists.

Adaptability really matters

In 2026, demand is strongest for ecologists who can flex — between habitats, seasons, sectors, and responsibilities.

Candidates who can move between fieldwork, reporting, and client-facing work give employers confidence, particularly during peak survey periods.

A shift towards rounded professionals

The strongest ecologists aren’t always the narrowest specialists. They’re the ones combining solid technical skills with communication, commercial awareness, and a proactive approach to development.

That’s exactly what we’re seeing reflected in the roles we’re recruiting for right now.

These are positions with consultancies who understand the value of experienced ecologists and are looking for people who want influence, autonomy, and sustainable workloads — not just more surveys.

If you’re not actively looking but are starting to feel stretched or under-utilised in your current role, it’s often worth a quiet conversation to understand what else is out there.

Written by:
Jeremy Money
Director, JSM Associates

I have worked within the Environmental and Sustainability sector for 20 years, making me one of the most established and well connected networkers in the market.

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