Environmental Recruitment Specialists

Common roles include Environmental Managers, Environmental Advisors, Environmental Consultants, Environmental Project Managers, EIA Consultants, Environmental Planners, Consents and Permitting Specialists, Ecologists, ECoWs, Sustainability professionals and environmental technical specialists.

The exact roles and skills required vary depending on the sector, project stage and environmental requirements.

Most ecological and EIA roles require a relevant degree in ecology, environmental science, geography, or a related discipline. Professional membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management) or IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) is valued for senior roles. Marine mammal observer positions require specific MMP or JNCC-recognised training. Species-specific survey licences (bats, great crested newt, otter) are frequently required for fieldwork roles.

Biodiversity Net Gain is a requirement under the Environment Act 2021 (England) that new developments must deliver a measurable increase in biodiversity compared to the pre-development baseline. This has created significant demand for ecologists and BNG specialists across the development sector - particularly for roles involving habitat baseline surveys, BNG metric calculations, habitat management plan writing and biodiversity credit scheme management. ERSG places BNG specialists on energy and infrastructure projects.

A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) monitors and records marine mammal activity during offshore operations. They help projects manage potential impacts on marine mammals by following the required observation and mitigation procedures. To become an MMO, you typically need recognised MMO training, marine mammal identification and observation skills, and relevant offshore experience. Additional safety training, medical certification and project-specific requirements may apply depending on the location and project.

Graduate ecologists and entry-level environmental advisors typically earn £24,000–£32,000. Mid-level EIA coordinators and senior ecologists earn £38,000–£55,000. Consenting leads and principal environmental managers can earn £55,000–£75,000+. Contract day rates vary: £200–£300 for graduate-level roles, £350–£500 for experienced EIA or consenting specialists. Marine mammal observer day rates reflect offshore premiums.

General ecology agencies focus on conservation, biodiversity, and land management roles - often in local authorities, NGOs, and smaller consultancies. Project environmental recruitment, which is ERSG's specialism, focuses on professionals embedded in active energy and infrastructure development, working on EIA and consenting for major projects, providing environmental compliance on EPC construction sites, or conducting offshore environmental monitoring. The project context, regulatory framework and client base are distinct.

ERSG's environmental team places ecologists, EIA and consenting specialists, marine mammal observers and environmental managers on renewable energy and infrastructure projects worldwide. To register or discuss opportunities, use the contact form below. Live vacancies are listed in the jobs section above, updated as new roles are confirmed.