Senior Ecologist

Shape Environmental Outcomes Across the UK and Ireland

Tetra Tech is seeking to appoint a Senior Ecologist to join our Planning & Environmental team. Based in our Belfast office, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of ecological, environmental and planning projects across the UK and Ireland.

The role is based in a large, permanently desked office located on the edge of the city with on‑site parking, strong public transport connections and easy access to major road networks. It supports hybrid working, with an expectation of two to three days per week in the office. Flexible working arrangements can be accommodated where project responsibilities allow.

As a Senior Ecologist, you will be responsible for delivering high‑quality ecological input across a wide portfolio of projects. You will lead the design and execution of ecological surveys, interpret data, assess habitats and species, and produce clear, robust reports to support planning applications, marine licensing processes and related environmental approvals.

You will liaise with clients, regulators, colleagues and wider project teams to ensure ecological considerations are integrated into planning, design and construction from the outset. You will support multidisciplinary project teams, contribute to feasibility assessments, undertake research and analysis, and represent Tetra Tech in community or stakeholder consultations where required.

Your work will directly influence the environmental quality and ecological integrity of development projects across the region. By bringing technical insight and sound judgement, you will help clients understand ecological implications and support regulatory compliance while enhancing biodiversity outcomes.

• You will bring strong technical experience in Phase 1 habitat assessments, protected species surveys and ecological appraisal, supported by a solid understanding of the ecological characteristics of the UK and Ireland. Your experience in undertaking bat surveys, mammal surveys and wider fieldwork will inform your ability to interpret constraints, analyse data and produce evidence‑based recommendations.
• You will be confident reviewing construction and design plans, identifying ecological opportunities and risks at each project stage.

• You will be an effective communicator who can liaise confidently with clients, colleagues, regulators and community representatives. You will explain ecological issues to both technical and non‑technical audiences, ensuring findings and recommendations are understood and acted upon.

• You will demonstrate strong organisational capability, managing your own workload and contributing to efficient coordination of project teams. You will progress projects from concept through to completion under pressure while maintaining quality and consistency.
• You will be competent in the use of GIS and Microsoft Office applications and capable of producing concise, well‑structured reports that support planning and licensing submissions.

• You will have a strong understanding of UK and Irish environmental policy, ecological legislation and regulatory processes relevant to development and land use planning.
• You will advise on ecological mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures, ensuring proposals align with statutory obligations and good practice standards.

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

The position is based in a large, permanently desked office located on the edge of the city with on‑site parking, strong public transport connections and easy access to major road networks. It supports hybrid working, with an expectation of two to three days per week in the office. Flexible working arrangements can be accommodated where project responsibilities allow.

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 in your day‑to‑day role.