Ecologist

Shape Environmental Outcomes Across the UK and Ireland

Tetra Tech is seeking Ecologists to join our Planning & Environmental team in Belfast. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to ecological, environmental and planning projects across the UK and Ireland while developing your technical skills within a multidisciplinary environment.

Work Location and Pattern:
The position is based in a large, permanently desked office on the edge of the city with on‑site parking and strong public transport connections. Hybrid working is supported, with an expectation of two to three days per week in the office. Flexible arrangements can be accommodated where project responsibilities allow.

As an Ecologist, you will support the delivery of ecological assessments, field surveys and environmental reporting across a broad portfolio of projects. You will assist in planning and completing ecological surveys, collect and analyse data, and help prepare clear, structured ecological reports for planning and environmental submissions. You will work alongside senior colleagues to integrate ecological considerations into project design and development from the outset.

Your responsibilities include supporting desk studies, feasibility assessments, stakeholder engagement activities and coordinating multidisciplinary project teams. You will balance office‑based reporting with site visits across the UK and Ireland, gaining experience in a range of habitats and species. You will also contribute to client relationships and help strengthen our ecological service offering.

Your work will gather accurate ecological data, support environmental assessments, and identify opportunities to protect and enhance biodiversity. You will help clients understand ecological constraints and contribute to the development of proportionate, nature‑positive solutions. Your contributions will support sustainable design, informed decision‑making and resilient development outcomes.

• Foundational experience in ecological survey techniques, such as Phase 1 habitat surveys and protected species fieldwork.
• Interest in bat, mammal and wider ecological survey methods, with developing understanding of habitat classification, species identification and ecological appraisal.
• Ability to apply scientific principles accurately and develop practical skills for high‑quality ecological assessments.

• Clear and confident communicator comfortable engaging with colleagues, clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• Ability to explain ecological findings concisely to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Collaborative approach, willingness to learn from experienced team members, and positive contribution to project delivery.

• Good organisational and time‑management skills, contributing to projects from concept to completion.
• Capability to work independently on assigned tasks while supporting team coordination.
• Proficiency in GIS and Microsoft Office applications, and ability to produce clear, well‑structured written outputs.

• Emerging understanding of UK and Irish environmental legislation, protected species requirements and planning‑related ecological considerations.
• Starting application of this knowledge to support mitigation, enhancement and compliance measures.
• Development of confidence in navigating regulatory processes, interpreting legislation, and contributing to evidence‑based recommendations.

• Degree in an ecological or environmental discipline and membership or active pursuit of membership of CIEEM or an equivalent professional body.
• Full current driving licence and access to transport to enable travel to survey sites across the UK and Ireland.
• Strong communication, presentation and report writing skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

We support public and private sector clients on local, national and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process.