Senior Field Ecologist

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Field Ecologist for a 1-year contract to lead ground verification of our AI and satellite-powered Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned ecologist to future-proof your career by building deep expertise at the intersection of ecology and technology - spending your days in the field doing what you love while working with cutting-edge BNGAI software that eliminates the administrative burden you've grown to dislike.

This role is perfect for ecologists who are passionate about fieldwork but frustrated by endless desk-based tasks. Our AI and satellite technology handles the tedious administrative work - habitat mapping, metric calculations, and report generation - so you can focus on what matters: conducting high-quality ground surveys, verifying outputs, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Beyond fieldwork, you'll collaborate closely with our Solutions Ecology team to continuously improve our processes and product capabilities. Your field insights will directly shape how our technology evolves, giving you genuine influence over the future of BNG assessments across the industry.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• Technology Meets Nature: You'll master BNGAI software and automated reporting systems while spending the majority of your time outdoors or with customers conducting surveys across beautiful landscapes throughout the UK.
• Career Future-Proofing: Differentiate yourself by building expertise in AI-powered ecological assessment - a skillset that will become increasingly valuable as the industry evolves toward technology-enabled solutions.
• Senior Influence: Work alongside our in-house solutions ecology consultant team to improve methodologies, validate AI outputs, and contribute to product development based on your extensive field experience.
• Maximum Autonomy: Manage your own survey schedule, travel arrangements, and fieldwork approach with complete expenses coverage and trust in your professional judgment.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Lead field-based verification surveys across the UK using our BNGAI Ground Survey app to validate AI and satellite-powered biodiversity assessments
• Provide senior-level quality assurance on BNG Baseline reports generated through our automated systems
• Work directly with customers on their BNG needs
• Collaborate with our Solutions Ecology team to refine product capabilities, validation protocols, and survey methodologies based on field observations
• Mentor and support other field ecologists in the team, sharing expertise and best practices
• Autonomously manage complex survey schedules, prioritisation, and travel logistics
• During periods of reduced field requirements, support customer technical inquiries and contribute ecological expertise to product development
• Act as a bridge between field reality and technology development, ensuring our AI outputs meet professional standards
• Provide strategic input on habitat assessment approaches and BNG compliance requirements

What we’re looking for:

Professional Credentials

• Chartered or full member status with CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management)
• Degree in ecology, environmental science, or related field
• Valid UK driving license

Technical Excellence

• Extensive experience conducting Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and ground verification
• Expert knowledge of UK habitat classification systems (Phase 1, UKHab, NVC)
• Deep understanding of BNG metrics, calculations, and statutory requirements
• Proven track record of producing high-quality ecological reports and assessments
• Comfortable adopting and mastering field-based technological tools and applications

Field Expertise

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in ecological fieldwork, ideally working with developers and/or large corporates
• Independent survey delivery with excellent time management and self-organization
• Experience working across diverse habitat types and geographical regions
• Confident decision-making in the field regarding habitat classification and condition assessment
• Strong health and safety awareness and compliance in varied field conditions

Mindset & Approach

• Genuine enthusiasm for technology and innovation in ecological practice
• Intellectual curiosity about how AI and satellite data can enhance field ecology
• Collaborative approach to working with technical teams and product developers
• Adaptable to new tools, processes, and ways of working
• Passionate about spending time outdoors while embracing modern solutions to administrative challenges
• Willing to travel for site visits
• Comfortable presenting findings to customers

Desirable Qualifications

• Field Identification Skills Certificate level 4 or equivalent
• Experience with GIS software or spatial data analysis
• Current first aid training
• Experience mentoring junior ecologists
• Knowledge of emerging BNG policy and regulatory developments

Practical Requirements

• Willingness to travel extensively throughout UK
• Home office setup for remote work during quieter periods

What we offer:

Contract Details

• 1-year fixed-term contract with potential for extension
• Competitive senior-level salary
• All travel and accommodation expenses are fully covered

Professional Development

• Training on cutting-edge BNGAI technology platform
• Collaboration with Solutions Ecology and Product teams
• Exposure to AI and satellite technology in ecological applications
• Opportunity to shape industry-leading assessment methodologies

Work Environment

• Maximum time in the field, minimum time on administration
• Genuine autonomy and trust in your professional expertise
• Remote work flexibility during non-survey periods
• Supportive team of ecological and technical professionals

The Future-Proof Advantage

• This role positions you at the forefront of ecological practice, combining your field expertise with technological innovation. As BNG becomes embedded in planning systems and AI-assisted assessments become standard practice, you'll have built the unique skillset that sets you apart in the market.
• If you're a senior ecologist who loves fieldwork but is tired of drowning in paperwork, and you're excited about being part of technology that's transforming the profession, we'd love to hear from you.

We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices, and we promote a work environment where everyone, from any race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, can do their best work.