Senior and Principal Ecologist

Are you looking for a new opportunity and a chance to advance in your chosen career? Do you want to work on a variety of exciting projects that balance wildlife conservation with development? If so, we would love to hear from you! We are currently looking for a Senior Ecologist and a Principal Ecologist to join our team. At Lakeway Ecological Consultancy, we are a small but growing wildlife-focused ecological consultancy based in the heart of Devon. Due to our continued success, we are looking for passionate and skilled Senior staff to join our team. Why Join Us? Career Growth: A fantastic opportunity to develop your consultancy career. Diverse Projects: Work on everything from small-scale developments to large conservation and monitoring projects. Flexible Working: Office-based in Okehampton, with hybrid or remote working options considered. Work-Life Balance: TOIL policy in place to support a healthy work schedule. The roles entail; Working alongside our Directors to ensure that a high-quality service is delivered to our clients Client liaison and development of client relationships Managing a wide range of projects from start to finish Technical reporting including PEA, EcIA, BNG reporting, HRA and phosphate assessments Mentoring our team of ecologists through training, development, support and advice Line management of junior staff Peer review of documents as part of our Quality Assurance process Who We Are Looking For Essential: A degree in Ecology or related subject and substantial experience of working within a consultancy / nature conservation sector (5 years experience for Principal Ecologist) In-depth knowledge of ecology, legislation and survey techniques across a range of species (Principal Ecologist) Ability to think outside the box and deliver solutions Experience with UKHab, BNG Assessments, protected species surveys & mitigation. Strong communication skills, including liaising with Natural England, County Ecologists & Local Authorities. CIEEM Membership A full UK driving licence (or alternative means to travel to remote survey sites). Desirable: FISC Level 4 or equivalent botanical skills. Experience mentoring or managing staff. Experience conducting HRA assessments. Protected species survey or mitigation licences. What We Offer Salary: £33,000 – £40,000 Senior Ecologist, £40,000 - £46,000 Principal Ecologist Full-time (37.5 hrs) or Part-time (min. 3 days/week) Holidays: 20 days bank holidays birthday off Christmas shutdown (minimum 33 days total) Training & Development: Access to external and in-house training Professional Membership Fees Covered (CIEEM, licences, vaccinations) Attendance at a UK conference of your choice each year Pension Contribution: 5% employer contribution Toil policy to ensure work life balance maintained, with restricted anti-social hours surveys for senior staff (currently Ecologist level average no more than 2 per week) Health benefits scheme membership How to apply Send your CV and a covering letter (max 2 pages) detailing how you meet the role requirements to applications@lakeway-ecological.co.uk Questions? Call us on 01837 218016 We aim to acknowledge receipt of all applications within five working days. This opportunity will close as soon as the role is filled.

Location: North Tawton, UK, GB

Posted Date: 10/31/2025