Senior Ecologist
Overview
We are working with our client, an innovative consultancy with a strong focus on nature-positive design, to appoint a Senior Ecologist to their Leeds office. This is an exciting opportunity to influence complex urban renewal projects from the outset, ensuring biodiversity, sustainability, and climate resilience are embedded into place-making strategies across the UK.
You will join a specialist team that takes a strategic, design-led approach rather than a survey-heavy one. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys shaping ecological outputs and working closely with planners, designers, and sustainability experts.
Responsibilities
As a Senior Ecologist, your key responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking ecological walkovers and providing early-stage ecological advice.
- Writing or reviewing ecological assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations.
- Leading project delivery, overseeing budgets, and maintaining client communication.
- Guiding and mentoring junior team members to develop their technical skills.
- Recommending nature-based solutions and habitat enhancements.
- Attending design workshops and contributing ecological insights.
- Supporting proposal development and contributing to the team’s professional profile.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- A background in UK consultancy with a strong understanding of relevant policy and legislation.
- The ability to complete UK Habitat surveys and interpret findings effectively.
- Experience producing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters, and management plans.
- Competence in the Biodiversity Metric and its practical application.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Confidence working within multidisciplinary teams.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) at Associate level or above.
Day-to-Day
Your day-to-day activities will involve:
- Conducting site visits and ecological walkovers to assess habitats and biodiversity.
- Collaborating with planners, designers, and sustainability experts to integrate ecological considerations into urban renewal projects.
- Preparing and reviewing ecological reports, assessments, and calculations.
- Leading project teams, managing timelines, and ensuring client satisfaction.
- Participating in design workshops to provide ecological expertise and innovative solutions.
- Mentoring junior colleagues and fostering their professional growth.
Benefits
This role offers a competitive benefits package, including:
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- A hybrid working pattern to support work-life balance.
- Medical insurance for your health and well-being.
- Pension and life assurance schemes.
- Income protection coverage.
- Flexible benefits tailored to your needs.
- An early-finish scheme at the end of each month.
If you are passionate about embedding biodiversity and sustainability into urban design and want to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
