Senior Ecologist / Principal Ecologist
Sussex

An independent, multidisciplinary consultancy of 85 people across five offices.  The Sussex team of 10 ecologists, who form part of a wider team of 50+ ecologists across the business, have built a strong reputation across the south-east for providing clear, reliable ecological advice, and for encouraging clients to go further than the baseline.

We are proud to hold the Great Place to Work certification (2026). It reflects what we’ve always believed: that good work comes from people who feel valued, trusted and supported to grow.

Built on collaboration, mutual respect and continuous learning.  The team share knowledge generously, across disciplines as well as within them. Working alongside landscape architects, heritage consultants, urban designers and arboriculturists doesn’t just make projects better. It makes ecologists better.

Role / Details

Ecology is not about compliance, it’s increasingly the discipline that shapes how development land is planned, designed and valued. 

As a member of the senior ecology team, you’ll be part of a practice that works this way by design. You’ll work closely with colleagues in landscape architecture, heritage, urban design, arboriculture and masterplanning, a cross-disciplinary environment that deepens ecological knowledge and produces better outcomes for clients and for nature.

What you’ll be doing

• Coordinating and delivering ecological inputs across all project stages, from initial assessment through to implementation and monitoring
• Leading and supporting protected species surveys and mitigation strategies
• Preparing and reviewing PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments and related reporting
• Delivering BNG assessments and contributing to habitat bank schemes – work that sits at the forefront of how the profession is evolving
• Working closely with clients, LPAs and design teams to develop balanced, proportionate solutions
• Providing technical input during concept design and planning stages
• Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists in the team

Our portfolio

• Greenfield residential and mixed-use development
• Brownfield regeneration and mineral extraction sites
• Solar and renewable energy projects
• Habitat bank schemes and biodiversity enhancement programmes
• Landscape-scale ecological improvement projects
• Smaller, bespoke local commissions

This range gives opportunity to gain experience across complex, multi-stage developments and fast-paced local work, with BNG running as a thread through much of it.

About you
We’re looking for a motivated, conscientious ecologist with a practical, solutions-focused approach and a genuine interest in doing ecology well.

Essential:

• Degree in ecology or biology (2:1 or above desirable)
• Experience in protected species and habitat surveys, including UKHab
• Good botanical skills (ideally FISC Level 3 or above)
• Sound understanding of relevant wildlife legislation
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Experience of project management and client facing role(s)
• Confident with MS Office and QGIS
• Well-organised, collaborative and adaptable
• Willingness to undertake some evening surveys and occasional overnight stays
• Full UK driving licence and own vehicle (insured for business use)
• CIEEM membership (ACIEEM or above, or actively working toward it)

Desirable:

• Technical specialism (e.g. ornithology or botany)
• Protected species survey licences (e.g. bats, dormice or others)
• Experience with EPS licensing
• River Condition Assessor accreditation

For further information on this or any other related positions do not hesitate to contact Peter on 07881788772 or peter@huphuphup.com

Our industry knowledge ensures a unique, valued and specialist service. We actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community and offer every assurance that your application will be handled with the highest levels of professionalism. For Further Information on Hup Consulting visit www.huphuphup.com