Senior Ecologist

AVRIO Environmental Management; Lisburn; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An ecological consultancy in Northern Ireland is looking for a Senior Ecologist with significant ecological surveying experience. The role offers a clear progression to Principal Ecologist and involves managing ecological surveys, mentoring, and contributing to various projects. Successful candidates will be educated in ecology and have at least four years of ecological consultancy experience. The benefits include competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Flexible working schedules

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Private health insurance

Performance bonus

Paid training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in ecological surveys and reporting.
• Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management Membership preferred.
• 4 years post-graduate ecological consultancy experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological surveys across multiple species and habitats.
• Draft and QA ecological reports.
• Mentor junior staff.

Skills

Ecological surveys

Mentoring

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Education

Degree in ecology or related subject

Job description

Title: Senior Ecologist (with clear progression to Principal Ecologist)

Contract: Full-time

Travel: Occasional travel and overnight stays across NI and ROI

Company Description

AVRIO Environmental Management delivers turnkey ecological and environmental solutions across Ireland and the UK. We work with a broad range of clients, supporting sustainable development through innovative, practical, and compliant ecological advice. Our team values professional growth, mentorship, and delivering high-quality outcomes across diverse projects.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our growing team. Applicants should have significant experience in ecological surveys, reporting, QA, and mentoring, and should fit into one of three Senior Ecologist career stages: Early Stage, Mid Stage, or Advanced Stage. Your role and responsibilities will be aligned with the stage that matches your experience, with a clear pathway to progress toward a Principal Ecologist position.

Senior Ecologist – Early Stage (5–6 yrs)

• Lead and manage ecological surveys across multiple species and habitats;
• Draft and QA chapters in CEMPs and other ecological reports (e.g. PEA’S, Appropriate Assessments, NIS, BNG etc);
• Provide technical advice to engineers, planners, and project teams;
• Mentor junior staff in field methods, reporting, and professional development;
• Support tender preparation and contribute to fee proposals;
• Develop independent client relationships;
• Build experience towards survey and specialist licences.

Senior Ecologist – Mid Stage (6–7 yrs)

• Lead larger-scale EIAs and major infrastructure projects;
• QA complex ecological reports and mitigation plans Provide internal and external CPD sessions;
• Manage staff across multiple survey programmes;
• Represent ecology at multi-disciplinary design team meetings;
• Develop long-term client relationships and contribute to business development;

Senior Ecologist – Advanced Stage (7–8 yrs, Principal-track)

• Recognised subject expert with broad ecological experience across multiple project types;
• Lead ecological input on major projects independently, including regulatory submissions;
• QA of complex reports (EcIA, SEA, NIS) and mitigation plans;
• Provide professional advice to project teams and regulators;
• Mentor multiple staff across grades and contribute to recruitment/training;
• Assist Principals with tender leadership and influence technical standards and best practice;
• Undertake licenced ecologist works and liaise with regulators.

Skills & Experience Required

• Educated to degree level in ecology or a directly related subject;
• Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management Membership preferred but not essential;
• 4 years post graduate ecological consultancy experience with good protected habitat and priority species experience;
• Invasive species management experience;
• Experience in developing and training staff, undertaking mentoring and developing best practice approaches including the adoption of the latest technologies;
• Detailed knowledge of U.K., Irish and E.U. Wildlife Legislation and best practice survey techniques;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including report writing skills, attention to detail and ability to write concise reports;
• Technical experience producing and overseeing ecological assessment and reporting in a wide range of areas;
• Ability to work independently, take the initiative, make robust, defensible decisions and work to tight deadlines to meet client needs;
• Experience of obtaining a variety of protected species licenses and liaising with regulatory bodies to negotiate and obtain consents, preferred but not essential;
• Experience in preparation and writing ecological sections of environmental impact assessments ensuring that legislative guidelines are adhered to;
• Full driving license and willingness to travel and undertake fieldwork in Ireland and the U.K.

Salary & Benefits

• Career Progression with potential to be a key leader within a growing organisation;
• We offer a competitive salary based on experience;
• 25 days annual leave, extending to 29 days annual leave after 2 years of service (plus public holidays);
• We understand the needs of the individual in an ever more demanding world and are committed to employee satisfaction through the implementation of flexible working schedules where deemed appropriate;
• Flexible extended leave options;
• Flexible family leave options;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Free or subsidised travel;
• Free on-site parking;
• Use of company vehicles;
• Discounted gym membership;
• Private health insurance;
• Performance bonus;
• Company pension scheme;
• Paid professional membership fees;
• Paid training and development opportunities;
• For individuals who demonstrate continued service, we will consider how we can support you financially if you would like to undertake further professional qualifications;
• We believe our staff are our business, and we recognise their good work. We ensure their happiness through company team bonding and activity/event days regularly.

What We Offer

• Opportunities for professional development, CPD, and licence progression
• Mentoring and leadership opportunities within a supportive team

Application Process

Applicants should indicate which Senior Ecologist stage (Early, Mid, or Advanced) best aligns with their experience in when submitting their CV and cover letter.

AVRIO Environmental Management is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.