Senior Ecologist

Bennett & Game are proud to be representing an award-winning multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy, previously recognised as one of the UK's Top 100 Companies to Work For. With offices across the country, including a strong presence in Leeds, they deliver innovative and sustainable solutions across infrastructure, development, and environmental sectors. Due to sustained growth within their environmental division, they are now seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their Leeds office and take a leading role across a diverse portfolio of ecology projects within a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.

Senior Ecologist Job Overview

• Lead and deliver ecological surveys including Phase 1 habitat assessments, protected species surveys, and complex site evaluations
• Produce high-quality ecological reports such as Ecological Impact Assessments, mitigation strategies, biodiversity net gain assessments, and technical guidance for planning
• Provide senior-level ecological input into multidisciplinary design teams, working closely with arboriculturists, landscape architects, planners, and engineers
• Develop mitigation and compensation strategies for protected species and habitats, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice
• Oversee ecological elements during construction phases, including contractor briefings, monitoring, and compliance checks
• Support business development activities, contributing to proposals, tender submissions, and client engagement
• Mentor and review the work of junior ecologists, supporting their technical development and field training

Senior Ecologist Job Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline
• Significant experience working as an ecologist within consultancy, with a strong track record delivering survey programmes and technical reports
• Excellent understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning frameworks, ecological mitigation, and biodiversity net gain principles
• Experience holding or progressing towards protected species licences (e.g. bats, GCN) is advantageous
• Strong GIS capability, ideally with QGIS or ArcGIS
• Confident communicator with proven experience liaising with clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary teams
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to site locations across the region

Senior Ecologist Salary & Benefits

• Salary: 40,000 - 45,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Inclusive Culture - Supportive, collaborative workplace that values diversity and professional growth
• Competitive Rewards - 5% pension match, life assurance, and long-service recognition
• Time Off & Flexibility - 25 days' holiday (rising to 28), option to buy additional days, hybrid working, and flexible core hours
• Health & Wellbeing - Westfield Health cover, healthcare cash plan, Cycle to Work scheme, and dedicated wellbeing initiatives
• Community & Connection - Volunteering days, regular social events, discounts, and savings programmes

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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