Senior Ecologist – Leeds
Overview
Embankment Group is proud to partner with a well-established environmental consultancy to recruit a Senior Ecologist
for their growing team in Leeds. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a large and experienced ecology team working on a diverse portfolio of projects, including renewable energy, infrastructure, and built environment developments.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading ecological input on complex projects, supporting clients from early feasibility through to delivery. This position offers the chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary specialists and contribute to large-scale projects across the UK.
Responsibilities
As a Senior Ecologist, you will be responsible for delivering ecological surveys, assessments, and project management across a wide range of developments. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and delivering ecological workstreams on projects across infrastructure, power, and development sectors.
- Undertaking and overseeing ecological surveys, including habitats, protected mammals, and birds.
- Supporting mitigation design and ecological management strategies.
- Preparing technical reports and reviewing work produced by colleagues or subcontractors.
- Preparing fee proposals and scopes of work for new projects.
- Coordinating survey programmes to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists within the team.
- Collaborating with planning, landscape, hydrology, and other environmental specialists.
The role may also involve surveys relating to reptiles, amphibians, fish habitats, or invertebrates, depending on your experience. Fieldwork will form part of the role and may involve travel, occasional overnight stays, and survey work during unsociable hours or in challenging weather conditions.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
- Eligibility for CIEEM membership (Qualifying or Associate level or higher).
- Strong experience in delivering ecological surveys and assessments.
- Knowledge of UK ecological legislation and planning policy.
- Experience managing ecological surveys and coordinating field programmes.
- Strong report writing and technical review skills.
- Experience working with protected species or habitat surveys.
- A full UK driving licence.
Experience in botany, ornithology, or specialist fauna surveys would be advantageous but is not essential.
Day-to-Day
Your day-to-day activities will include:
- Conducting and overseeing ecological surveys in the field.
- Preparing and reviewing ecological reports and assessments.
- Managing project timelines, budgets, and client communications.
- Mentoring junior team members and providing technical guidance.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated project solutions.
- Supporting clients with ecological advice from project inception to completion.
Benefits
This consultancy offers a competitive salary of £40,000 to £46,300, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Company pension and healthcare support.
- Life insurance and travel cover.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Structured career progression framework with regular reviews.
- 25 days of annual leave plus flexible bank holidays.
- Family-friendly policies to support work-life balance.
About the Team
You will join a large and established ecology team operating across the UK and Ireland, providing specialist advice on habitats and protected species. The consultancy works closely with statutory bodies and conservation organisations, delivering ecological support across a broad mix of development sectors.
This role is ideal for an experienced ecologist looking to take on more project responsibility and mentoring opportunities within a supportive consultancy environment. If you are passionate about ecology and want to make a meaningful impact on sustainable development projects, we encourage you to apply.
Apply now to take the next step in your ecological career!
