Freelance Ecologist

Irwin and Colton is seeking a Freelance Ecologist for a 3-6 month contract, primarily remote with occasional site visits in the UK. The role involves leading ecological surveys, contributing to impact assessments, and liaising with stakeholders. Candidates should have a degree in Ecology or a related field, experience in ecological work, and familiarity with UK wildlife legislation. The position offers a rate of approximately £400 per day.
Freelance Ecologist
Contract Duration: 3-6 months, with potential for extension
Location: UK-based, remote working with occasional site visits
Rate: ~ £400 per day (dependent on experience), Outside IR35

Are you a Biodiversity or Ecology specialist with experience delivering fieldwork, impact assessments, and project advice across infrastructure or industrial sectors?

We're currently supporting a leading consultancy in their search for a Freelance Ecologist to help deliver upcoming survey and advisory work during a peak period. The organisation works across a broad client base within infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing, with a strong reputation for delivering complex, large-scale environmental projects.

This is primarily a remote role with occasional travel for site surveys and meetings.

Key Responsibilities will include:
• Leading and supporting ecological surveys (e.g. Phase 1, protected species, habitat assessments) and associated reporting
• Contributing to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) strategies for a variety of UK projects
• Working with clients and project teams to integrate ecological considerations into planning and construction processes
• Liaising with stakeholders, local authorities, and regulators on project impacts and mitigation
• Using GIS tools and survey data to produce accurate ecological maps and records

The successful candidate will have:
• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, or a related field
• Demonstrable experience working on ecological surveys, impact assessments, or BNG planning
• Familiarity with UK wildlife legislation and ecological best practice guidance
• A pragmatic, solution-driven approach to balancing conservation and development
• Ideally, a relevant qualification such as CIEEM membership or protected species licences

For more information on this opportunity or to discuss your next contract, contact Tom Hewat on 01923 432 637 or . Job Reference: TH3761.

Irwin and Colton are a specialist Environment, Health and Safety recruitment company, based in the South East of England we recruit across the UK. We recruit all roles in the environment, health and safety industry from Environment, Health and Safety Manager, Health and safety Director through to Environment, Health and Safety Advisor positions.

Irwin and Colton Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at our website irwinandcolton. Com. Irwin and Colton is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.