Senior Ecologist
About the Opportunity
Our client, a highly regarded and award-winning consultancy, is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their team in Leicester. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a dynamic role, contributing to a wide range of exciting projects in sectors such as energy, defence, infrastructure, and more.
As a Senior Ecologist, you’ll play a key part in planning and delivering high-quality ecological services, overseeing surveys, and mentoring emerging talent. The role offers the chance to work on impactful UK-wide projects, all while enjoying hybrid working arrangements designed to promote a work-life balance that suits you.
Our client fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, with plenty of opportunities for growth and professional development. Whether you're looking to lead projects, specialise in key areas, or mentor others, this role offers a career pathway tailor-made for your aspirations.
What You'll Be Doing
In this senior role, you’ll be entrusted with diverse responsibilities, such as:
-
Survey Leadership:
Designing, organising, and executing ecological surveys, including habitat appraisals and protected species assessments. You’ll ensure data is collected to the highest standards while providing technical support to the team. -
Ecological Reporting:
Writing and reviewing high-quality reports, mitigation strategies, and protected species licence applications. Experience with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA) would be a strong advantage. -
Client Partnership:
Engaging with clients, including planners, developers, and stakeholders, to provide expert ecological advice. Building and maintaining trusted relationships to help achieve project objectives. -
Project Management:
Overseeing projects right from concept through to completion, ensuring they’re delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality. -
Team Mentorship:
Supporting and developing junior members of the ecology team, helping them secure protected species licences and boosting their technical expertise.
What We're Looking For
To excel in this role, you’ll need to demonstrate:
- A degree or equivalent qualification in ecology or a related area.
- Membership (Associate or higher) of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
- Substantial experience in ecological or environmental consultancy.
- A full UK driving licence to facilitate fieldwork and client visits.
What Your Day Could Look Like
- Leading a team in conducting ecological field surveys and assessments.
- Preparing detailed reports and reviewing deliverables completed by junior team members.
- Advising clients on ecological and compliance requirements to influence project decisions.
- Tracking project timelines and budgets to meet agreed objectives.
- Sharing your expertise by mentoring and supporting junior ecologists in their professional development.
The Benefits on Offer
Our client is committed to ensuring their team thrives and offers a wide-ranging benefits package, including:
- Flexible Working: Adaptable hybrid arrangements to suit your preferred work style.
- Vehicle Options: A car or car allowance, including for personal use.
- Work-Life Balance: A well-structured TOIL (Time Off in Lieu) system in place.
- Bonuses: Financial rewards for achieving protected species licences and chartership milestones.
- Training Opportunities: Access to both internal and external skill development programmes.
- Project Variety: A plethora of stimulating projects that span multiple sectors.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside professionals such as planners, landscape architects, archaeologists, and engineers.
- Inclusive Environment: A culture built on openness, support, and skill-sharing for ongoing career growth.
The Team You'll Join
Our client’s ecology division comprises over 90 permanent team members, spread across a network of 14 offices. You'll have access to modern IT systems that empower seamless remote collaboration while giving room to focus on projects you’re truly passionate about.
With a team ethos that encourages technical mastery and personal development, you’ll have access to mentorship, training, and resources to help you thrive. Whether you're shaping your own niche or guiding others through theirs, this is a place for growth.
