Ecologist
Bristol, South Wales, South West, West Midlands • Up to £35K + significant benefits • Ref: JSM 1230
Posted 26th January 2026
My client is an independent consultancy made up of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, working across all aspects of the built and natural environment. Guided by a strong purpose, shared values, and a collaborative approach, they have been shaping sustainable outcomes for communities and clients for decades.
The Nature team within my client’s Climate and Sustainability Services group comprises an experienced team of ecologists and environmental consultants delivering professional services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across the UK and internationally.
Their portfolio includes a diverse and exciting pipeline of projects such as renewable energy, water industry and transport schemes, biodiversity strategy and policy development, due diligence, and corporate biodiversity reporting. Due to the variety of work, the role offers excellent opportunities to develop a broad range of technical and consultancy skills.
The Opportunity
My client is currently recruiting two Ecologists on a permanent basis to join their Midlands and South West teams, with flexible base locations in Birmingham, Bristol, or Cardiff.
Key Responsibilities
Depending on experience, day-to-day responsibilities may include:
Authoring Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), baseline species survey reports, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
Supporting the preparation of Habitats Regulations Assessments, Environmental Statements, and mitigation strategies for major development projects
Researching and preparing advice on biodiversity design, habitat restoration and enhancement, green infrastructure, and other nature-based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and enhance climate resilience
Planning, managing and undertaking field surveys including:
Phase 1 Habitat / UKHab surveys (including condition assessments for BNG and invasive species)
Protected species surveys (e.g. bats, great crested newts, badgers and other mammals)
Analysing and interpreting ecological survey data using appropriate analysis software and GIS tools
Applying BNG and other biodiversity and natural capital metrics, supporting:
Natural capital and environmental net gain studies
Site and corporate biodiversity strategies
Nature-related reporting frameworks and policies
Managing small projects and contributing defined workstreams on larger projects, including coordination of ecological subcontractors
Culture & Values
My client fosters a collaborative and inclusive working environment where individuality is encouraged, and diverse perspectives are valued. Employees are supported to do meaningful, socially beneficial work that contributes positively to clients, communities, and the environment, while supporting long-term career development.
About You
Candidates are likely to have:
A minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Ecology, Zoology, Geography or Biology (or equivalent)
A postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc in Ecological Consultancy) is advantageous but not essential
Established or developing field skills in:
UKHab / Phase 1 habitat surveys
Protected species surveys (e.g. bats, dormouse, badger, reptiles, great crested newt)
A sound understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning policy relevant to development
Experience in drafting ecological reports and undertaking biodiversity metric calculations
An interest in developing skills across wider nature consultancy services, such as:
Natural capital and environmental net gain
Biodiversity strategy development
Policy development
Environmental and social impact assessment, including international projects
Experience with digital data management and analysis, including GIS (e.g. ArcGIS)
A full UK driving licence, as the role may involve travel
What My Client Offers
My client offers a competitive and comprehensive reward package, designed to support both professional growth and personal wellbeing. This includes:
Competitive, fair and equitable salary
Profit-sharing arrangements
Private medical insurance
Life assurance, accident insurance and income protection
Flexible benefits to support health, wellbeing, and work–life balance
Extensive learning and development opportunities
The opportunity to work on high-profile, impactful projects for a wide range of clients
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
My client is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurodiversity or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or family status.
They are committed to creating accessible recruitment processes and inclusive workplaces and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the application and interview process where required.
Contact Us
If you are interested in finding out more about this position or similar roles currently and would like a discreet non-committal chat, please contact Jeremy Money (jeremy@jsm-associates.co.uk). However, if you have not received a response within with-in one working week, please assume your application has been unsuccessful this time round. We will confidentially retain your details and inform you of any other suitable opportunities arising should you not be successful in this role.
This is one of a number of exciting positions currently available via JSM Associates. JSM offers an extensive range of jobs in the areas of Planning, CSR & Sustainability, Environmental Management, Remediation & Contaminated Land, EIA and Ecology, Geotechnics, Environmental Planning, Air Quality, Noise and Vibration Landscape.
Phone - 01934 312 155
Email - jeremy@jsm-associates.co.uk
Website - www.jsm-associates.co.uk
Twitter - @JSMAssociates
Apply for this role
Not keen on this role?
If the above role isn't for you, but you'd like to pursue other options, simply use the below links to register your CV with us for consideration, subscribe for job alerts or return to continue browsing other vacancies.