Senior Ecologist

Title:

Senior Ecologist (with clear progression to Principal Ecologist)

Contract:

Full-time, permanent

Locations:
Multiple offices across Northern Ireland

Travel:
Occasional travel and overnight stays across NI and ROI

An established and growing environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its multidisciplinary team. This role offers a clearly defined progression pathway to Principal Ecologist, making it ideal for candidates looking to step into technical leadership while continuing to work on varied, high-quality projects. The position is suitable for ecologists at different senior career stages (Early, Mid, or Advanced), with responsibilities aligned to experience and future ambitions.

You will play a key role in delivering ecological surveys, assessments, and reports across a broad portfolio of projects, including infrastructure and development schemes. The role combines technical delivery, mentoring, project leadership, and client engagement within a supportive, forward-thinking consultancy environment.

Early Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 5–6 years’ experience)

• Lead ecological surveys across a range of habitats and protected species
• Prepare and quality-assure ecological reports and chapters (e.g. PEAs, CEMPs, Appropriate Assessments, NIS, BNG)
• Provide ecological input to planners, engineers, and project teams
• Mentor junior staff in fieldwork, reporting, and professional development
• Support tender preparation and fee proposals
• Develop client relationships and progress towards specialist licences

Mid Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 6–7 years’ experience)

• Lead large-scale projects, including EIAs and major infrastructure schemes
• Quality-assure complex reports and mitigation strategies
• Deliver internal and external CPD sessions
• Manage staff across multiple survey programmes
• Represent ecology at multidisciplinary design team meetings
• Contribute to business development and long-term client relationships

Advanced Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 7–8 years’ experience – Principal track)

• Act as a recognised technical expert across multiple project types
• Independently lead ecological input on major projects and regulatory submissions
• Quality-assure complex assessments (EcIA, SEA, NIS)
• Mentor staff across grades and support recruitment and training
• Assist with tender leadership and influence technical standards
• Undertake licensed works and liaise directly with regulators

• Degree in Ecology or a closely related discipline
• Consultancy experience with protected habitats and priority species
• Strong knowledge of UK, Irish, and EU wildlife legislation
• Experience in ecological assessment and reporting, including EIAs
• Proven mentoring and staff development experience
• Excellent report writing, communication, and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and make robust, defensible decisions
• Invasive species management experience
• Protected species licensing experience (desirable, not essential)
• Full driving licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork
• CIEEM membership is desirable but not essential.

• Clear and supported progression to Principal Ecologist
• Flexible working arrangements and extended leave options
• 25 days annual leave, increasing with service (plus public holidays)
• Private health insurance and company pension scheme
• Performance-related and biannual bonus schemes
• Paid professional memberships and training/CPD
• Support for further professional qualifications
• Cycle-to-work scheme, travel support, company vehicles, and parking
• Regular team events and a genuinely people-focused culture