Ecological Clerk of Works

RPS; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK seeks an experienced Ecological Clerk of Works to supervise ecological monitoring on construction sites. Responsibilities include delivering briefings for contractors, supervising ecological surveys, and liaising with clients and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Ecology or Environmental Science, strong field skills, and knowledge of UK wildlife legislation. This position supports your professional growth through diverse projects and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Accredited training programs

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Ecological Clerk of Works or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation.
• Willingness to travel regionally.

Responsibilities

• Supervise ecological monitoring on construction sites.
• Deliver ecological briefings for contractors.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Practical field skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management skills

Independent decision making

GIS/mapping experience

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Job description

Ecological Clerk of Works to be based in one of our UK offices.

About The Team

Our Ecology team works on some of the UK’s most exciting and challenging projects, delivering practical, compliant and innovative solutions that help clients progress while protecting biodiversity. You’ll join a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team committed to high standards and professional development.

Your Impact

Join RPS, a Tetra Tech company to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting‑edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world‑class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to grow your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

What You Will Be Doing

• Provide day‑to‑day ecological supervision and monitoring on large‑scale construction and development sites.
• Deliver toolbox talks, ecological briefings and inductions for contractors.
• Supervise and quality‑assure ecological surveys and inspections (e.g., nesting birds, bats, reptiles, otter, badger, GCN).
• Implement and monitor ecological exclusion zones and temporary habitat protection measures.
• Act as first point of contact for unexpected protected‑species encounters and provide proportionate onsite solutions.
• Prepare concise site visit reports, compliance audits and photographic records.
• Liaise proactively with clients, contractors, statutory agencies and stakeholders.
• Mentor and supervise junior ECoWs and technicians on site.

Who We Are Looking For

• Proven experience as an Ecological Clerk of Works or similar consultancy role.
• Strong practical field skills and knowledge of UK wildlife legislation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently on site and make rapid, defensible decisions.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel regionally.
• Protected species licences or experience supporting licensed works.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery.
• GIS/mapping or mobile data‑capture experience.

Qualifications

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline.

What is in it for you?

We’re proud to be an accredited training provider, internationally recognised and providing robust fully accredited professional training programmes - to master’s degree level professional qualifications in leadership & management and executive coaching & mentoring, we provide learning and development for everyone.

We support our people to innovate, collaborate and build meaningful careers. Our network of people and knowledge will expand your horizons and give you access to a variety of interesting projects.

Embracing diverse ideas, perspectives, and thinking styles is at the heart of what we do. We need a mix of experiences and techniques to develop the ideas. We respect one another and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. You’ll be joining a diverse community of experts and a company that puts its people first and prioritises their wellbeing.

Why Choose RPS, a Tetra Tech Company

In 2023 RPS joined Tetra Tech, enabling us to combine our expertise with the reach and resources of a prestigious global organisation.

We design, and manage projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech’s strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource‑scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities.

As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market‑leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career.

We’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work‑life balance that’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment. With agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs – this is a workplace that works for you.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high‑end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With over 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.