Ecologist

Job Title: Ecologist

Location: Birchwood, Warrington

Job Type: Full‑time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive

Help shape the future of land restoration, regeneration and sustainable development. We’re looking for an experienced Ecologist to join a growing multidisciplinary environmental consultancy, working on a diverse portfolio of planning, quarry restoration, land regeneration and development projects.

This isn’t a traditional ecology consultancy role. You’ll be involved from the earliest stages of projects, helping to identify ecological constraints, influence planning decisions and develop practical, commercially balanced solutions that support both environmental objectives and successful project delivery.

Working closely with planning, engineering and operational teams, the Ecologist will undertake preliminary ecological assessments, advise on ecological risks and determine when specialist surveys or technical expertise are required. You’ll also coordinate external ecological consultants, ensuring their recommendations are proportionate, commercially sensible and aligned with project objectives.

As the Ecologist, you’ll play a key role in supporting the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), providing technical ecological input throughout the planning process and helping shape habitat creation, enhancement and long‑term management strategies across a wide variety of projects.

• Undertake Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), habitat surveys and ecological site walkovers
• Identify ecological constraints and opportunities across planning, restoration and development projects
• Provide practical ecological advice that supports project delivery while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation
• Assess when specialist ecological surveys or technical expertise are required
• Coordinate and manage external ecological consultants where appropriate
• Review ecological reports and recommendations to ensure they are practical, proportionate and aligned with project requirements
• Support planning applications through the provision of ecological advice
• Contribute to the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), including habitat creation, enhancement, long‑term habitat management and application of the statutory Biodiversity Metric
• Build strong working relationships with planners, engineers, project managers, regulators and external specialists
• Undertake regular site visits across active quarry, restoration and development sites

The successful Ecologist will have experience undertaking preliminary ecological assessments and habitat surveys, together with a sound understanding of ecological legislation, planning and Biodiversity Net Gain.

You’ll enjoy solving problems, making balanced decisions and working collaboratively to deliver practical environmental solutions. Commercial awareness, sound judgement and the confidence to recommend pragmatic ecological solutions will be key to success in the role.

• Experience undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) and habitat surveys
• Good knowledge of UK habitats, protected species legislation and the planning system
• Good understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and the statutory Biodiversity Metric
• Experience supporting planning and development projects
• Experience coordinating specialist ecological surveys or working with external ecological consultants
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• Full UK driving licence

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying for this role, you are explicitly consenting for McCarthy Recruitment to hold and process your data in compliance with GDPR.