Ecologist - Principal or Associate

Hilson Moran Partnership Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sustainable design consultancy is seeking an experienced Ecologist in Manchester. The role involves leading ecological projects, mentoring junior staff, and engaging with clients to promote biodiversity. Candidates should have a background in Ecology, experience with UK habitats, and a passion for mentorship. This full-time position offers extensive benefits including enhanced leave and a company pension.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave of 25 days

Enhanced company pension contribution

Annual budget for personal wellbeing

Healthcare scheme access

Volunteering days

Company events

Season-ticket loans

Cycle to work scheme

Options for unpaid leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience in UK habitats and protected species.
• Strong track record in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA).
• Deep understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation.
• Confidence in designing cost-effective mitigation strategies.
• Experience working with regulators and planning authorities.
• Passion for mentoring and developing others.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological inputs across project lifecycle.
• Mentor junior ecologists to foster a knowledge-sharing culture.
• Engage with clients to contribute to proposals and strategic advice.
• Champion biodiversity net gain and habitat creation.

Skills

Excellent analytical skills

Strong English communication skills

Skilled at writing efficient reports

Proficient in numerical tasks

Proactive and self-motivated

Full valid UK driver’s licence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

Ecologist - Principal or Associate | Hilson Moran

At Hilson Moran, we believe in creating places that give more than they take for people, for nature, and for the planet. As a certified B Corp and a leader in sustainable design and consultancy, we are redefining what it means to build responsibly. Our work spans the UK and beyond, delivering integrated, science‑led solutions that support biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.

We're now looking for an experienced ecologist to join our growing team, someone who shares our passion for nature‑positive development and wants to help shape the future of our built environment.

As part of our interdisciplinary Infrastructure & Environment group, you'll work alongside engineers, transport specialists and environmental scientists to deliver ecological insight across a wide range of projects from urban regeneration and garden communities to major infrastructure and international masterplans.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing ecological inputs across the project lifecycle from early‑stage surveys to mitigation strategies and post‑construction monitoring.
• Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists, helping to build a collaborative, inclusive, and knowledge‑sharing culture.
• Engaging with clients and stakeholders, contributing to proposals, tenders, and strategic advice that align with our Net Positive Places approach.
• Championing biodiversity net gain, habitat creation, and nature‑based solutions as core components of sustainable placemaking.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in UK habitats and protected species, including relevant survey and/or mitigation licences especially bats.
• A strong track record in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA).
• A deep understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation and metrics.
• Confidence in designing and delivering pragmatic, cost‑effective mitigation strategies.
• Experience working with regulators and planning authorities to secure consents and implement ecological best practice.
• A passion for mentoring and developing others, and a desire to contribute to industry innovation and thought leadership.
• Utilise data visualisation technologies for data analysis and visualisation such as GIS.
• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, or a related field.

Skills

• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong English communication skills, both spoken and written.
• Skilled at writing efficient and effective reports.
• Proficient in numerical tasks.
• Proactive and a self‑motivated.
• Must hold a full valid UK driver’s licence.

Benefits

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum, plus public holidays. Leave increases with length of service up to 28 days plus public holidays.
• Enhanced company pension contribution.
• Annual budget to spend on personal wellbeing activities.
• Access to our healthcare scheme.
• Access to confidential wellbeing support services via our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Paid volunteering days to support causes important to you.
• Fun company events including our annual winter party and our full company summer social.
• Season‑ticket loans.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Options for unpaid leave and career breaks.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

Education

Location

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

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