Senior / Principal Ecologist

Join a team doing genuinely ambitious ecology work on the south coast and beyond.

CSA Environmental is an independent, multidisciplinary consultancy of 85 people across five offices. Our Brighton 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 mandatory requirements.

We are proud to hold the Great Place to Work certification (2026), that reflects our view that good work comes from people who feel valued, trusted and supported to grow. Our culture is built on collaboration, mutual respect and continuous learning. Working alongside landscape architects, heritage consultants and masterplanners doesn’t just make projects better – it makes ecologists better.

As a member of the senior ecology team, you will be

• Coordinating and delivering ecological inputs from initial assessment through to implementation and monitoring
• Leading and supporting on 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
• Contributing to CSA’s reputation for high-quality, pragmatic advice in the region

Our portfolio offers experience across complex multi-stage developments and fast-paced local work, with BNG running through much of it.

• 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

About you

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

If you don’t tick every box but have strong foundations and transferable skills at ecologist level, we’d still like to hear from you.

What we offer

Flexibility

• Hybrid working – up to 2 days per week from home
• Flexible working around core hours

Financial

• Annual profit-related and performance bonus
• Overtime pay for out-of-hours survey work
• Pension contributions that increase with length of service
• Mobile phone and fieldwork clothing allowance

Annual Leave

• 25 days annual leave (to include 3 days for Christmas shutdown)
• Rising incrementally to 30 days over 10 years

Development and progression

• Supported career progression – promotion from within is a genuine priority
• Generous CPD and external training budget
• Career development aligned with the CIEEM Competency Framework
• Paid CIEEM membership and EPS class licence fees

Team and culture

• A supportive and friendly team, who genuinely enjoy working together
• Annual company and ecology team events, plus volunteering days
• Family-friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first-aiders

Interested? Clare Caudwell, our Sussex ecology lead, welcomes an informal chat before you apply – clare.caudwell@csaenvironmental.co.uk / 01273 927399. Formal applications to the same address.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.