Senior Ecologist

Overview

Embankment Group is recruiting on behalf of a leading environmental consultancy for a Senior Ecologist to join a growing Belfast-based planning and environmental team delivering projects across the UK and Ireland.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced ecologist to work within a multidisciplinary environment across a broad range of sectors, including marine and coastal developments, renewable energy, regeneration, and infrastructure projects. The role offers a mix of technical ecology work, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination within a collaborative and well-established team.

The successful candidate will contribute to a varied portfolio of ecological and environmental projects, supporting planning applications, environmental assessments, and licensing processes while helping clients navigate ecological constraints and deliver sustainable development outcomes.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Ecologist, you will provide technical ecological input across projects from early feasibility through to planning and delivery stages. Your responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking and coordinating ecological surveys and habitat assessments.
• Conducting protected species surveys and ecological fieldwork.
• Producing high-quality technical reports and ecological assessments.
• Supporting planning applications, marine licensing, and environmental approvals.
• Advising clients and project teams on ecological constraints and mitigation strategies.
• Liaising with regulators, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Assisting with project management and programme delivery.
• Supporting business development and client relationship management.

This role offers exposure to a diverse workload across the UK and Ireland, with a combination of office, home, and site-based working.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates with consultancy experience and a strong understanding of ecological legislation, environmental planning, and survey methodologies within the UK and/or Ireland.

Essential:

• Proven experience working within ecological consultancy.
• Strong habitat survey and protected species survey experience.
• Experience producing Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), and related technical reports.
• Knowledge of UK and/or Irish ecological legislation and planning policy.
• Experience conducting bat surveys, mammal surveys, and other ecological fieldwork.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in GIS and Microsoft Office applications.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for surveys.

Desirable:

• Membership of CIEEM or an equivalent professional body.
• Possession of protected species licences.
• Experience in marine or coastal ecology.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary infrastructure or renewable energy projects.

Day-to-Day

Your day-to-day activities will involve a mix of fieldwork, technical reporting, and collaboration with clients and stakeholders. You will:

• Conduct ecological surveys and assessments in various environments.
• Prepare detailed ecological reports to support planning and licensing applications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable project outcomes.
• Engage with clients and regulators to provide expert ecological advice.
• Manage project timelines and ensure deliverables are met.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• A modern office location with parking and excellent transport links.
• Opportunities to work on high-profile and environmentally significant projects.
• A supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Exposure to diverse projects across the UK and Ireland.

If you are an experienced ecologist looking to advance your career within a dynamic consultancy environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join a team that is committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for a wide range of environmental challenges.

Apply today to make a meaningful impact on the future of ecological and environmental planning!