Senior Field Ecologist

Overview

Due to continued business growth, an experienced Project Ecologist is needed to join our Southampton ecology team in a Senior Field role. You will play a lead role in undertaking and delivering a range of projects across our business sectors, particularly renewables and built environment.

• Lead field surveys and mitigation projects involving ornithology, mammals, habitats, herpetofauna, fish habitat and invertebrate surveys.
• Manage and oversee ecological aspects of projects, advising clients and contractors in the power, built environment and infrastructure sectors.
• Prepare fee proposals, scope of works, write reports and conduct technical reviews of peer and subcontractor reports.
• Supervise and mentor ecology staff; depending on skills, lead site work on particular ecological specialisms and manage staff.
• Schedule, manage and ensure delivery of ecological survey work packages on time and within budget.
• Liaise with other SLR technical teams (planning, landscape, hydrology, noise, air quality) and senior members in other SLR offices.
• Work involves significant travel and long days in all weather conditions, including remote locations.

• Demonstrable experience in ecological consultancy practice and ability to lead and mentor team members.
• Proficiency in ecological surveying (terrestrial ecology, botany, ornithology, etc.) and understanding of ecological legislation and policy in Scotland and the UK.
• BSc in Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable); eligible for Qualifying or Associate level CIEEM membership.
• Experience with a range of ecological survey techniques; botanical skills and habitat surveys are an advantage; specialist fauna surveys (bats, reptiles, amphibians, water voles, otters, birds, invertebrates) preferred.
• Project management experience – planning, scheduling surveys, budget management and client liaison.
• Protected or notable species survey experience relevant to Scotland.
• Full UK driving licence.

Competitive salary, paid overtime or time‑off‑in‑lieu, flexible working options and a structured career framework. Annual leave includes 25 days and flexible bank holidays, along with a company pension, comprehensive health care, travel and life insurance.

SLR is an equal opportunities employer and supports diversity, including 2

SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women and people with disabilities. We provide reasonable adjustments during recruitment and are a Disability Confident Committed employer.