Principal​/Associate Ecologist

Location/s:

Southampton, UK

Andrea Gaffney

Mott Mac Donald is leading the way in Nature Services and is looking for people to join our Ecology Team to integrate nature into all developments, building a better future with clients. Our team provides ecological advice, writes guidance, delivers training on BNG, and contributes to CIEEM’s raising standards documents. We develop tools to collect and manage ecological data, provide biodiversity advice to NHS hospitals, deliver nature‑based solutions for water treatment and flood management, and oversee the production of Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

The Southampton Office, close to the train station, hosts 11 members ranging from Graduate to Senior Associate. At Principal/Associate Ecologist level you will spend most of your time office‑based, with some site work in your technical specialty.

You will be responsible for staff wellbeing, mentoring, and career development for the Southampton Ecology Team and will line‑manage some team members. You will collaborate with the Regional Lead, Area Leader and UK Ecology Team Leader to manage utilisation, appointment of people for roles, training and recruitment needs, and hold regular operational briefings. Projects will span all stages of a project life cycle, giving opportunities to influence design and promote best practice.

• A degree in Ecology (or a directly related subject). An additional higher degree would be an advantage.
• Experience in Ecological Consultancy (or equivalent with transferable skills).
• A Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or equivalent. Must be a Chartered Environmentalist, Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Biologist (or able to achieve this within 6 months).
• Ability to communicate effectively to multi‑disciplinary teams, clients and regulators. Proficiency in report writing skills and a track record in acting as a checker / reviewer for ecological deliverables.
• Technical specialism e.g. has held protected species mitigation licences or has advanced botanical skills etc.

• Experience of People Management.
• Proven Project Management skills.
• Experience of preparing costs and text for bids.
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK.

Mott Mac Donald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reaso and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

We are happy to talk openly about flexible working and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace.

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with everyday health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing programme, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 × your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 × your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long‑term illness or…