Senior Environmentalist / Ecologist

Manpower; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consultancy in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead complex ecological services for infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 6 years of experience and relevant qualifications, including full membership in professional bodies. Responsibilities include managing teams, performing ecological assessments, and ensuring compliance. Benefits include a competitive salary, company vehicle, and 26 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company car or competitive car allowance

26 days annual holiday + bank holidays

Pension with salary sacrifice

Paid volunteer days

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years' post-graduate experience in ecological consultancy.
• Full Membership/Accreditation (e.g., CIEEM/IEMA) or equivalent, ideally CEnv.
• Must hold one or more EPS species licenses.
• Full UK Driving License (extensive travel required), CSCS card, and Safety Critical Worker Medical.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute Phase 1/2 Habitat Surveys and Ecological Impact Assessments.
• Prepare competitive fee proposals and manage project financials.
• Serve as the primary ecological advisor on major infrastructure projects.
• Provide high-level technical expertise and mentorship to junior ecologists.

Skills

Written communication

Team management

Budget management

Attention to detail

Client-focused approach

Education

Relevant degree (ideally secondary degree or accreditation)

Job description

Lead the Way in Sustainable Ecological Development

We are seeking an experienced and licensed Senior Ecologist to lead and deliver complex ecological services across a diverse portfolio of environmental consultancy projects, with a strong focus on infrastructure and the highways sector. You will drive compliance, enhance biodiversity, and mentor the next generation of ecologists.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership & Compliance:
  • Surveys & Assessments: Plan and execute Phase 1/2 Habitat Surveys, Protected Species Surveys, and conduct detailed Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
  • Licensing & Reporting: Prepare meticulous technical reports (PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs) and successfully obtain European Protected Species (EPS) Mitigation Licences in both England and Wales.
  • Specialist Knowledge: Apply practical working knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and BREEAM.
• Project & Client Management:
  • Prepare competitive fee proposals and project tenders.
  • Manage project financials and undertake quality assurance (QA) on technical reports and plans.
  • Actively liaise with clients, local authorities, Natural England, and landowners to secure compliance and drive new business acquisition.
  • Serve as the primary ecological and environmental advisor on major infrastructure projects.
• Mentoring & Team Support:
  • Provide high-level technical expertise and mentorship to a team of junior ecologists.
  • Coordinate survey delivery and assist with career development, appraisals, and complex queries.
  • Work collaboratively across the company to ensure the Consultancy operates as a financially viable business.

Essential Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum 6 years' post-graduate experience in ecological consultancy.
• Qualifications: Relevant degree (ideally secondary degree or accreditation).
• Professional Status: Full Membership/Accreditation (e.g., CIEEM/IEMA) or equivalent, ideally CEnv.Licensing: Must hold one or more EPS species licenses.
• Logistics: Full UK Driving License (extensive travel required), CSCS card, and Safety Critical Worker Medical.

Your Skills:

We require exceptional written communication for high-stakes reports, proven experience managing teams and budgets, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive, client-focused approach.

Benefits Package:

• Salary: Competitive
• Vehicle: Company car or competitive car allowance provided.
• Leave: 26 days annual holiday + bank holidays.
• Financial: Pension with salary sacrifice, 1 paid professional membership per year.
• Wellness: Paid volunteer days, all necessary PPE and equipment supplied.
• Flexibility: Hybrid working model with the ability to travel and stay away as required.