Location: Salford, Greater Manchester, North West, UKBennett and Game are representing a leading Manchester-based environmental consultancy currently seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their expanding team. With a current headcount of 25 and a turnover on track to grow from £2 million to £3 million in the next 12 months, the business is in a strong phase of strategic growth underpinned by a varied, design-led project pipeline. This is an opportunity to work with purpose, delivering practical, sustainable solutions that help clients balance development with meaningful ecological value.Our client operates across ecology, arboriculture, and green infrastructure, supporting projects nationwide in the residential, commercial, education, and infrastructure sectors. The role will see you take a lead on project delivery, mentor junior team members, and help shape the future of the ecology discipline during this exciting growth phase. The business fosters a collaborative, low-hierarchy culture, with genuine opportunities for tailored career progression and innovation at every level.Senior / Principal Ecologist Salary & BenefitsSalary range: £40,000 - £45,000, dependent on experience and licensing24 days holiday (plus bank holidays), rising to 30 with long serviceHybrid working - flexible arrangements dependent on project demands5% employer pension contributionPaid professional subscription (1 per year)Access to company fleet vehicles for site travelCycle to Work Scheme and TechschemeEyecare schemeSeason ticket cash advance available1 volunteering day per yearRegular staff events and a collaborative, low-hierarchy team cultureSenior / Principal Ecologist Job OverviewLead and manage multiple ecology projects from inception through to final deliveryConduct site-based habitat and protected species surveys, with particular emphasis on bats, GCN, and Phase 1/UKHabTake ownership of technical report writing, EcIA delivery, EPS licensing, and biodiversity net gain assessmentsMentor and support junior ecologists, offering guidance, technical checks, and development planningAct as point of contact for clients, consultants, and planning authoritiesOversee health and safety compliance, fieldwork logistics, and seasonal team resourcingPlay a key role in team development and supporting the wider ecology business planSenior / Principal Ecologist Job RequirementsDegree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or any related subjectMinimum 3-5 years' consultancy experienceFull Member of CIEEM (essential)Deep understanding of UK/EC wildlife legislation and planning policyDemonstrable project management skills, including commercial oversight and delivery against deadlinesStrong written and verbal communication skillsExperience preparing EPSL documents, BNG assessments, and EcIAsLicences for bats and/or great crested newts (desirable)HRA, GIS capability, or FISC Level 3+ qualifications are advantageousFull UK driving licenceIf you're looking to take the next step in your ecology career with a purpose-driven consultancy that values both people and the planet, we'd love to hear from you.Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for. TPBN1_UKTJ