Senior Ecologist – Stoke-on-Trent
£40,000–£45,500 + bonus and enhanced benefits
Hybrid and flexible working
Embankment Group is recruiting a Senior Ecologist to join our client’s established environmental consultancy team in Stoke-on-Trent.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take greater ownership of projects, develop client relationships and support the progression of junior colleagues. You will work across a varied portfolio of projects within sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, residential and commercial development.
The opportunity
You will manage and deliver ecological work from the initial assessment and survey stages through to reporting, planning support and project completion.
Responsibilities will include:
- Managing ecological projects, programmes, budgets and deadlines
- Acting as a key contact for clients, stakeholders and project teams
- Preparing fee proposals and supporting new project opportunities
- Producing and reviewing technical ecological reports
- Delivering PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs, ES chapters and mitigation strategies
- Preparing protected species licence applications
- Planning, undertaking and overseeing ecological field surveys
- Providing technical guidance and mentoring to junior ecologists
- Working alongside specialists in planning, landscape, engineering and environmental assessment
The position combines home and office-based working with site visits across the UK and, occasionally, Ireland.
About you
Our client is looking for someone with:
- Previous experience working within a UK ecological consultancy
- A relevant degree in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline
- Experience managing ecological projects and client relationships
- Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and professional guidance
- Experience producing technical reports, including PEAs and EcIAs
- Experience engaging with planning authorities, statutory bodies and other stakeholders
- Knowledge of protected species licensing and mitigation
- At least one protected species survey licence, with a bat licence particularly desirable
- Qualifying membership of CIEEM or above
- Strong written, organisational and communication skills
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Salary and benefits
The role offers a salary of £40,000–£45,500, depending on experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Company pension
- Private medical insurance
- Life, income protection and travel insurance
- Salary sacrifice car leasing scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- 25 days’ annual leave
- Flexible public holidays
- Options to buy or sell annual leave
- Hybrid, agile and flexible working
- Core working hours
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Employee wellbeing and mental health support
- Structured career progression and regular development reviews
- Support towards chartership, professional memberships and protected species licences
- Opportunities for sabbaticals and temporary overseas working
This position would suit a Senior Ecologist seeking a supportive working environment, varied project exposure and a clear route for continued professional development
