Director of Forestry Consultancy

Are you an experienced Forest and Woodland Specialist looking for a senior role where you can shape ecological strategy, lead technically challenging projects and influence the future of woodland management across the UK?

My client, a leading environmental and engineering consultancy, is seeking an experienced Lead Forest Ecologist to join its expanding ecology team. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in delivering complex projects across infrastructure, utilities, renewable energy, residential development and natural capital.

Working alongside multidisciplinary teams of ecologists, arboriculturists, planners, landscape architects and environmental consultants, you will provide technical leadership on woodland ecology, habitat management and forestry-related projects throughout the UK.

The Opportunity

This is a senior technical position combining project leadership, ecological expertise and client advisory work.

You will lead woodland ecology inputs across a broad portfolio of projects, providing expert advice on habitat assessment, woodland management, protected species, planning and biodiversity while supporting the continued growth of the ecology team.

The role also offers the opportunity to mentor junior ecologists, contribute to business development and help shape the future direction of woodland and forestry services within the business.

Key Responsibilities

Lead woodland ecology and forestry-related projects across the UK
Design and manage woodland habitat surveys and ecological assessments
Provide technical advice on woodland creation, restoration and long-term management
Deliver ecological input into Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and planning applications
Prepare and review Woodland Management Plans, Habitat Management Plans and Biodiversity Net Gain strategies
Advise clients on UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), felling licences and woodland legislation
Undertake technical review and quality assurance of ecological reports
Mentor and support junior ecologists
Build strong client relationships and contribute to business development
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary environmental teams

About You

You are likely to have:

A degree in Ecology, Forestry, Environmental Science or a related discipline
Significant experience in woodland ecology, forestry or ecological consultancy
Strong knowledge of UK woodland habitats and protected species
Experience delivering ecological surveys and impact assessments
Good understanding of UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), Forestry Commission guidance and woodland legislation
Experience contributing to Environmental Impact Assessments and planning projects
Excellent report writing and project management skills
Membership of CIEEM, the Institute of Chartered Foresters or another relevant professional body (or working towards)
What You'll Bring

Strong technical expertise in woodland ecology and habitat management
Commercial awareness and consultancy experience
Excellent communication and client-facing skills
The ability to lead projects while maintaining high technical standards
A collaborative approach to multidisciplinary working
Passion for woodland conservation, restoration and sustainable land management

What's on Offer?

Competitive salary and benefits package
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
Opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure and environmental projects
Strong commitment to professional development and career progression
Exposure to multidisciplinary projects across ecology, planning, environmental assessment and natural capital
Supportive and collaborative working environment with genuine opportunities for technical leadership
If you're looking for a role that combines technical excellence, project leadership and the opportunity to influence woodland management and ecological outcomes across the UK, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jeremy at JSM Associates.