Senior Ecologist – Birmingham

Embankment Group is recruiting on behalf of an established environmental consultancy seeking to appoint a Senior Ecologist to join their growing team in Birmingham. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced ecologist to take on a leadership role, delivering high-quality ecological projects, providing expert technical advice, and contributing to the continued success of a thriving ecology team.

Overview

As a Senior Ecologist, you will play a pivotal role in managing a diverse portfolio of ecological projects, from initial scoping and survey design to assessment, reporting, licensing, mitigation, and delivery. This position offers the chance to work across a variety of sectors, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the development of innovative ecological solutions.

This role is ideal for a motivated professional who thrives on technical responsibility, enjoys mentoring junior team members, and is eager to contribute to business development and client relationship management.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Ecologist, your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing ecological projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.
• Liaising with clients, statutory bodies, and local planning authorities to provide expert advice and maintain strong relationships.
• Preparing and reviewing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs).
• Supporting Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) and producing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments.
• Scoping, designing, and leading ecological surveys, including UK Habitat Classification and protected species surveys.
• Preparing protected species reports, licensing documents, and mitigation strategies.
• Providing technical guidance to clients and project teams.
• Supporting business development activities, including securing new project work and expanding the client portfolio.
• Mentoring and developing junior team members, including consultants and assistant ecologists.
• Collaborating with colleagues across environmental and technical disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.
• Managing project budgets, timelines, and client expectations effectively.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A degree in ecology, biological sciences, or a closely related subject.
• Significant ecological consultancy experience, ideally at Senior Ecologist level or equivalent.
• Membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management), with progress towards Chartership being advantageous.
• A strong understanding of wildlife legislation, planning policy, and ecological guidance.
• Excellent survey skills, including UK Habitat Classification and protected species surveys.
• Robust report writing and technical review capabilities.
• Strong project management skills, including experience managing budgets, deadlines, and client relationships.
• Experience mentoring and supporting the development of junior colleagues.
• A commercial mindset with a proven ability to contribute to business development and secure project work.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across disciplines.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable Experience:

• Holding one or more protected species licences.
• Experience developing mitigation strategies and supporting protected species licence applications.
• A proven track record of winning work and building strong client relationships.

Day-to-Day

Your typical day as a Senior Ecologist will involve:

• Leading ecological surveys and assessments, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practices.
• Preparing and reviewing technical reports, including PEAs, EcIAs, and BNG Assessments.
• Engaging with clients and stakeholders to provide expert advice and updates on project progress.
• Mentoring junior team members, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills and career development.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environmental solutions.
• Managing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure client satisfaction.
• Contributing to business development activities, including preparing proposals and identifying new opportunities.

Benefits

Joining this established and forward-thinking consultancy comes with a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• Support for achieving and maintaining professional accreditations, including CIEEM Chartership.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• The chance to work on a diverse range of projects across multiple sectors.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Generous holiday allowance and company pension scheme.
• Access to ongoing training and development opportunities.

If you are an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the environment.

Apply today to become a key part of this dynamic and successful ecology team in Birmingham!