Senior Terrestrial Ecologist

Overview

Are you an experienced Terrestrial Ecologist looking to take the next step in your career? Our client is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable professional to join their growing team as a Senior Consultant. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse range of ecology projects across the UK and beyond, supporting clients in the water, developer, infrastructure, and public sectors.

If you have a passion for ecological assessments, biodiversity, and protected species, and are ready to lead projects and mentor junior staff, this role could be the perfect fit for you.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Terrestrial Ecologist, you will:

• Lead and manage ecological assessments, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Coordinate and oversee field surveys, ensuring best practices and compliance with relevant legislation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff and sub-consultants.
• Manage projects, including planning, budgeting, and delivering high-quality outputs on time.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Prepare detailed and accurate reports, including HRA and Environmental Statement chapters.
• Contribute to the preparation of proposals and tenders to support business growth.
• Explore opportunities to specialise in areas such as technical expertise, project management, or business development.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• In-depth knowledge of UK and EU Wildlife Legislation, planning policies, and licensing requirements.
• Proven experience leading PEA, EcIA, and HRA assessments.
• A track record of working on large infrastructure or development projects.
• Expertise in protected species surveys and mitigation, with at least two protected species survey licences (including bats).
• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or equivalent.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce meticulous technical reports and engage confidently with clients.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in WRMP options appraisal.
• Leadership and mentoring experience, with the ability to motivate a team.
• A history of building client relationships and generating new business opportunities.
• Collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Successful project management, including budget oversight.

Day-to-Day

Your typical day may include:

• Planning and coordinating ecological surveys and assessments.
• Reviewing and analysing survey data to inform project recommendations.
• Writing detailed ecological reports and assessments.
• Liaising with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Mentoring junior team members and providing technical support.
• Managing project timelines and budgets to ensure successful delivery.
• Contributing to team meetings and strategy discussions.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects and sectors.
• Flexibility to tailor your role to your interests, whether technical, managerial, or business-focused.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on ecological and environmental outcomes.

If you are a self-starter with a passion for ecology and a desire to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply. Join a team where your expertise will be valued, and your career can flourish.

Apply today to take the next step in your ecological consultancy career!