Job Description
City: England
State: England
Company: Cobalt Recruitment
An exciting opportunity for a skilled Associate Ecologist to take a leading role on major infrastructure and energy projects. This role blends technical expertise, project delivery, and client-facing work, offering the chance to influence development across some of the UK’s most sensitive and protected environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise clients and project teams on ecological constraints, mitigation strategies, and regulatory pathways
- Lead protected species surveys and coordinate ecological inputs across large-scale utility and development schemes
- Experience writing ES chapters.
- Prepare and review documents such as HRAs, EcIAs, consents, and licence applications
- Engage with stakeholders including regulatory bodies, planning authorities, and environmental specialists
- Contribute to design proposals and site assessments with practical ecological guidance
- Oversee internal and external consultants, and occasionally undertake site surveys
- Provide leadership on biodiversity enhancement and nature conservation across a range of sensitive landscapes
What You’ll Bring
- Degree in ecology or related subject and full CIEEM membership (Chartered or working towards)
- Strong understanding of UK planning, protected species legislation, and ecological designations (e.g. SSSI, SPA, SAC)
- Experience delivering projects in consultancy, conservation or public sector settings
- Familiarity with HRA preparation and protected species licensing
- Excellent knowledge of British flora and habitat classification (botanical skills advantageous)
- Organised, commercially aware, and confident managing project inputs and team coordination
- Full UK driving licence
Salary & Benefits
- Location – UK Wide
- £60,000 – £75,000 negotiable based on experience
- 25 days holiday + 1 birthday day off
- Private health membership and wellness support
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance
- Enhanced family leave: maternity, paternity, and carers’ support
- Pension & life insurance (4x salary)
- Electric vehicle scheme & cycle to work programme
- Sabbatical option after 3 years
- Professional development support (including paid study leave)
- Retail discounts, social events, and national team meetups
Why Apply?
- Contribute to nationally significant projects that support net-zero goals
- Lead meaningful ecological work with a focus on innovation and delivery
- Enjoy a supportive culture that values growth, flexibility, and sustainability
When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com or 07458161399.
