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Join Our Team at BlueJay Ecology

BlueJay Ecology is expanding, and we are currently seeking experienced Senior Ecologists tp join our team for the 2026 season.

We are focused on growing our capacity at a senior level and are looking for individuals who can lead projects, manage surveys, and contribute to the continued development of the business.

Current opportunities are listed below. We are not actively recruiting for assistant or entry-level roles at this time.

Why Work With Us?

At BlueJay Ecology, we believe people do their best work when they feel supported, valued, and part of something meaningful. We are a close-knit, family-focused team where collaboration, respect, and a shared passion for ecology sit at the heart of everything we do.

You’ll be joining a company where individuals are known by name, contributions are recognised, and personal development genuinely matters. We actively support long-term, sustainable careers in ecology, providing clear progression pathways and the flexibility needed to balance professional and personal life.

What We Offer

  • A supportive, friendly team within a small and growing company
  • Competitive salary packages based on role and experience
  • Company pension scheme
  • Clear career progression pathways
  • Paid professional membership fees (e.g. CIEEM)
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  • A clear Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) policy to support additional hours worked during busy periods
  • Provision of branded uniform and all PPE required for your role
  • Funding for necessary external qualifications to fulfil site roles (e.g. CSCS, Highways Passport)
  • Birthday leave – an extra day off to celebrate your birthday
  • Attractive office location with on-site shower facilities and a kitchen with free tea and coffee
  • Regular team events and social activities

Perks and Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • 28 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays)
  • Contribution to a company pension
  • Commitment to investing in training and career development
  • Broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options
  • Accredited training provider with support for learning and development through a personal development plan and a transparent career pathway
  • Payment of annual professional institution subscription
  • Work/life balance carefully managed through workload sharing, a TOIL policy, and regular check-ins with staff
  • Friendly and supportive work environment with remote and hybrid working options
  • Flexible approach to working hours
  • Company laptop
  • Regular social events
  • Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders

Available Roles

Assistant/Field Ecologists

Location: Southampton or surrounding areas (field-based and remote working)

Job Type: Full-time/ Fixed Term Contract

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct field surveys and data collection.
  • Identify and record species, habitats, and ecological features.
  • Assist in the preparation of surveys and reports.
  • Support senior ecologists and project managers in various projects.

About you:

  • A flexible and enthusiastic approach to your work.
  • Confidence in handling protected species (e.g., reptiles, bats, amphibians) with training provided.
  • Solid knowledge of UK wildlife and a strong interest in Natural History.
  • The ability to work varied hours and travel, including occasional overnight stays.
  • Willingness to work up to five days a week, with potential opportunities for weekend work.
  • A full driving license and a personal vehicle insured for business use.
  • Experience with client-facing tasks such as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) is desirable.
  • A CSCS card would be beneficial but is not essential.

Ecologists

Location: Southampton or surrounding areas (field-based or remote working)

Job Type: Full-time / Contract

Responsibilities:

  • Plan and conduct ecological surveys and assessments.
  • Analyse data and prepare detailed reports for clients.
  • Provide technical advice on ecological issues and environmental regulations.
  • Collaborate with team members and assist in mentoring junior staff.

About you:

  • A degree in an environmental-related field.
  • Experience conducting Phase 1 and 2 Habitat Surveys, including
    assessments according to UKHabs methodologies, and producing maps and reports.
  • Experience in protected species surveying.
  • A full driving license and a personal vehicle insured for business use.
  • Proven ability to liaise effectively with client representatives and manage projects.
  • Skill in finding solutions to ecological challenges.
  • Excellent report writing and oral communication skills.
  • Membership with CIEEM beneficial but is not essential.
  • Familiarity with DEFRA Metrics/BNG is advantageous but not essential.
  • Holding a protected species licence (or close to obtaining one).

Senior Ecologists

Location: Flexible across the UK (remote working)

Job Type: Full-time

Responsibilities:

  • Lead ecological surveys and assessments.
  • Manage and mentor a team of ecologists and assistants.
  • Prepare detailed reports, including PEA, BNG, HRA and EcIAs.
  • Develop and implement project proposals and strategies.
  • Liaise with clients and regulatory bodies.

 

About you:

  • A BSc and/or MSc degree in Ecology or a closely related field.
  • Membership with CIEEM or eligibility for membership.
  • In-depth knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation.
  • Proven experience authoring a range of ecology reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, and management plans such as Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs) and Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs).
  • Experience with Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) desirable.
  • Ability to design and lead specialist ecological surveys, with a focus on projects throughout the UK.
  • Competency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments; FISC Level 4 qualification is highly desirable but not essential.
  • Experience in conducting a range of protected species surveys, with at least one protected species survey license being highly desirable.
  • Capability to implement site-based mitigation measures, including acting as an Ecological Clerk of Works and managing protected species translocations.
  • Experience in procuring and managing ecological fieldwork and mitigation through a network of sub-consultants.
  • Skills in preparing fee proposals, tenders, and managing project finances.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a growing team, with some potential for overnight stays depending on project requirements.
  • A full UK driving license, insured for business use, and willingness to travel
    for client meetings and site surveys.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and why they want to work with BlueJay Ecology using the form below.

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