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HHalpinRobbins
HalpinRobbinsEnvironmental Consulting

Senior Ecologist

Licensed Bat and/or Dormouse Specialist

Location

Devon, United Kingdom

Work type

Hybrid

Employment

Full Time

Experience

4-8 years

Compensation

£35K - £40K per year

Posted

3d ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

As a Senior Ecologist, you will lead protected species and habitat surveys, manage projects from inception to delivery, and oversee Natural England licence applications. This role involves providing high-quality ecological advice, mentoring junior colleagues, and contributing to business growth within a dynamic environmental consultancy.

Shape the Future of Ecology at HalpinRobbins
We're looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist with protected species licensing expertise to join our growing consultancy at a pivotal stage of development.

If you're a licensed Bat and/or Dormouse Ecologist seeking greater responsibility, influence and variety in your work, this is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping projects, mentoring colleagues and driving the growth of our ecology team.

The Opportunity
This is more than a survey role. You'll be a key technical lead, helping to strengthen our licensed survey capability while delivering high-quality ecological advice across a diverse portfolio of development and conservation projects. You'll lead surveys, oversee project delivery, manage licensing work, support junior ecologists and contribute directly to the continued growth of the business.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Leading protected species and habitat surveys

  • Managing bat emergence and re-entry surveys using NVA equipment

  • Preparing and reviewing EcIAs and technical reports

  • Managing Natural England licence applications

  • Acting as a Named Ecologist and/or accredited agent

  • Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain assessments

  • Producing fee proposals and supporting project planning

  • Building strong client relationships and representing HalpinRobbins externally

  • Mentoring and developing junior ecologists

About You
You'll have:

  • Around 4+ years' experience in ecological consultancy

  • Strong technical report writing and review skills

  • Experience managing ecological projects from survey through to delivery

  • A sound understanding of UK ecological legislation and planning policy

  • A full UK driving licence

Highly desirable:

  • Level 1 or Level 2 Bat Licence

  • Dormouse Licence

Candidates holding one or both licences will be particularly attractive. Additional experience in BNG, bat sound analysis, GIS or AutoCAD would be advantageous. We'd also welcome applications from ambitious ecologists ready to step into a senior position.

Why Join Us?

  • Salary circa £35,000-£40,000 (dependent on experience)

  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

  • Discretionary bonus scheme

  • TOIL scheme

  • 28 days annual leave plus Christmas shutdown

  • Pension scheme

  • Access to Octopus Electric Car Scheme

  • Paid professional memberships

  • Ongoing training and support towards additional licences

  • Friendly, collaborative team culture

  • Regular team social events

  • One volunteer day per annum

Updated 3d ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Protected species licensing • 1+ yrs
Ecological Impact Assessments • 1+ yrs
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) • 1+ yrs
Technical report writing • 1+ yrs
Project management • 1+ yrs
UK ecological legislation • 1+ yrs
GIS • 1+ yrs
AutoCAD • 1+ yrs

Experience

4-8 years

Certifications

Level 1 or Level 2 Bat Licence • Required
Dormouse Licence • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

£35K - £40K per year

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyGBP
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationDevon, United Kingdom
Work typeHybrid
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalMedium5/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium6/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

HalpinRobbins

Team size

Growing team

Location

Devon, United Kingdom

HalpinRobbins is a respected ecological and environmental consultancy delivering specialist services across the UK, including Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), protected species licensing and environmental permitting. Our reputation is built on technical excellence, practical solutions and a genuinely supportive team culture.

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Senior Ecologist

Devon, United KingdomFull Time