Senior Ecologist
| Posting date: | 02 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £40,388 to £43,482 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 April 2026 |
| Location: | SO43 7NH |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 455858/1 |
Summary
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Senior Ecologist to provide expert ecological leadership across the district. This is a key role within the Planning & Environment team, supporting delivery of our statutory responsibilities, driving nature recovery, and ensuring that all our operations meet the highest ecological standards.
You will work across the whole of South Forest District, covering diverse habitats, species, and project types- from SSSI enhancement and ancient woodland restoration to landscape‑scale biodiversity programmes.
Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.
Where you’ll work…
Our South England Forest District team is made up of around 170 people with a diverse range of roles - from foresters and wildlife rangers to civil engineers, and ecologists to marketing professionals. We all contribute towards the management of 46,000 hectares of public forest estate that stretch from Sussex to Dorset, and from Berkshire to the Isle of Wight. Nearly all of our forests are within either a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Much of this forest is of high national importance for nature conservation and wildlife, and of international importance for biodiversity. South England Forest District is therefore responsible for land that includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation (for habitats), Special Protection Areas (for birds) and Ramsar sites (for wetlands). We also provide public access and recreation in our forests, with nearly 50 million visits every year to South England Forest District.
The role can be based in any district office. Our main offices are in the New Forest, Hampshire and Bucks Horn Oak. There is an option for flexible working including hybrid work. You will be expected to work across the whole South District from Dorset to west Sussex.
A full UK drivers' licence is required, automatic licence holders are welcome to apply.
• Oversee specialist surveys, baseline assessments, monitoring frameworks and habitat prescriptions.
• Manage relevant ecology and SSSI budgets, ensuring efficient, compliant, and timely delivery against statutory obligations.
• Line-manage members of the Ecology team, supporting professional development and building ecological capacity across the district.
• Build and maintain excellent professional relationships and communications providing expert advice to Forestry England staff, contractors, and partners to ensure ecological risks are managed and opportunities for enhancement maximised.
• Undertake regular travel to locations that are inaccessible by public transport.
And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.
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