Senior Ecologist

Our client is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join its expanding environmental consultancy team supporting major infrastructure projects across the transport, water, energy and telecommunications sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering desk- and site-based ecological consultancy services, including ecological appraisals, habitat surveys and protected species surveys.
• Working collaboratively with engineers, project managers and delivery teams to manage ecological requirements across infrastructure projects.
• Preparing and reviewing technical notes, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, risk assessments, method statements and other project deliverables.
• Leading Habitats Regulations Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, SSSI assent applications and ecological licence applications.
• Providing licensable ecological support and developing effective mitigation, enhancement and biodiversity net gain strategies.
• Producing fee proposals, allocating resources, managing budgets and programmes, and coordinating internal and external specialists.
• Engaging with statutory regulators, planning authorities, consultees, clients and other stakeholders to address environmental constraints and identify opportunities.
• Supporting the growth of the ecological consultancy function through service development, process improvement, technical training, mentoring and internal and external engagement.

Job Requirements:

• Significant experience delivering desk- and site-based ecological consultancy services within infrastructure, construction or a related environmental sector.
• Strong knowledge of ecological principles, UK environmental legislation, planning policy, guidance and health and safety requirements.
• Proficiency in habitat and protected species surveys, UK Habitat Classification and Biodiversity Net Gain condition assessments.
• Experience leading Habitats Regulations Assessments, SSSI assent applications and licensable ecological support activities.
• Understanding of ecological licences issued by Natural England, Nature Scot and/or Natural Resources Wales, with relevant general, class, mitigation or individual licences desirable.
• Experience mentoring, training or managing ecologists and technical colleagues, with the ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities.
• Strong skills in desk research, data handling, technical review, report writing and project management, including proficiency in GIS and other digital tools.
• Professional membership of CIEEM or an equivalent organisation is required, with chartered status desirable.
• A valid UK driving licence and willingness to undertake regular site-based work and travel are also required.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Ecologist to contribute to nationally significant infrastructure projects, influence sustainable delivery and help develop a growing environmental consultancy function.