Consultant/Senior Ecologist/Botanist


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£30,000 to £45,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	UK-Wide (Hybrid), GU1 1AA
Working pattern:	Remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	12 Nov 2026
Closing date:	12 Dec 2026

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Summary

Your new company

You will join an established environmental consultancy delivering ecological and environmental solutions across a varied portfolio of UK projects. The business combines expertise across ecology, water and environmental response, offering exposure to both planned consultancy work and fast-moving projects where practical ecological advice is essential.

Your new role

You will support new and existing projects through field surveys, technical reporting, mitigation planning and client advice. You will manage your own workload with support from senior colleagues while contributing to project delivery, client relationships and wider commercial activity.

Your responsibilities will include:

Completing habitat assessments, habitat mapping and technical reports.

Undertaking botanical and protected species surveys.

Producing reports, mitigation strategies and practical ecological recommendations.

Advising on ecological risks associated with planned works and environmental incidents.

Providing site-based ecological supervision and support when required.

Preparing protected species and habitat mitigation strategies in line with current UK legislation and guidance.

Supporting fisheries surveys, habitat projects, site investigations and aquatic sampling.

Managing project tasks, priorities and deadlines.

Contributing to quotations, tenders, marketing and business development.

Building strong client relationships through reliable project delivery.

What you'll need to succeed

You will be a self-motivated and organised ecologist who is comfortable balancing fieldwork, reporting and client communication. You will also have:

A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology, environmental science or a related subject.

Experience in ecological consultancy or a related discipline.

A practical understanding of key ecological survey methods and UK wildlife legislation.

Strong report-writing, analytical and numerical skills.

Good communication and time-management skills.

Confidence using Microsoft Office.

A willingness to travel and occasionally work outside standard hours.

Professional accreditation, or be working towards it.

Protected species licences, or be working towards relevant licences.

FISC certification.

A full UK driving licence.

What you'll get in return

Competitive salary: £30,000 - £45,000 - depending on your experience.

Hybrid/flexible working and part-time options available.

Exposure to a broad mix of ecological, aquatic and environmental projects across the UK.

Support from experienced senior colleagues, with opportunities to broaden your technical and commercial skills.

Workplace pension scheme

Life assurance scheme & medicash

Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave and adoption pay, with return-to-work bonuses

Usage of vehicles for work purposes

Annual leave entitlement

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this opportunity, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or get in touch for a confidential discussion.If this role isn't quite right for you, but you are considering a new position in ecology or the wider environmental sector, please contact us to discuss your career plans.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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