Associate Director

RSK Biocensus; Wetherden; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological restoration company in the UK is seeking an Associate Director to manage significant projects and lead a team focused on biodiversity. This role requires at least ten years of experience in ecology, a first degree, and membership in CIEEM. Responsibilities include project management, proposal delivery, and technical report oversight. A competitive salary of £56,000 and various benefits like life assurance and flexible working options are offered, making it an exciting opportunity for career advancement.

Benefits

Company Life Assurance

Flexible benefits programme

Regular training and career development

Contributed pension scheme

Discounted Gym Memberships

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of specific relevant experience in ecology.
• Full membership of CIEEM is expected.
• Experience in rewilding and nature-based solutions.

Responsibilities

• Manage major projects and financial objectives.
• Deliver winning proposals and tenders.
• Oversee production of technical reports and biodiversity assessments.

Skills

Project management

Ecological restoration

Consultancy support

Relationship building

Education

First degree in Ecology or related subject

Job description

Are you looking to take the next step in your career and ready for an exciting new challenge?

Do you want to be a part of a team supporting innovative and strategic solutions across ecological restoration and nature recovery?

Well then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

About RSK Wilding

Established in early 2020, we are a multidisciplinary team supporting innovative and strategic solutions across ecological restoration and nature recovery. We bring together an unrivalled breadth of expertise in biodiversity, restoration, sustainable land management and environmental law.

We are part of the RSK Biocensus business, and we put our expertise to use as part of multi-disciplinary teams within RSK Group to help a range of clients, from large-scale developers, public authorities, utilities, all the way through to passionate landowners, to offset carbon emissions and achieve biodiversity net gain (and other natural capital benefits) through ecological restoration and rewilding across the UK.

Our aim is thus to make a real difference with action on the nature and climate crisis, and to leave a better legacy for future generations.

The Role

As our Associate Director at RSK Wilding, part of the wider RSK Group, you will have a key and responsible role within RSK Biocensus, RSK Wilding and RSK Nature Repair, winning work, providing leadership, managing staff, technical advice and training, and leading by example. The role takes on specific areas of additional responsibilities within the business.

You will also have the opportunity to be a part of the RSK Biocensus Senior Management Team and will be expected to contribute positively and collaboratively to the running of the business.

Main Responsibilities

• Managing major projects, including financial objectives, resource allocation, managing sub-contractors, risk and quality assurance, ensuring timely delivery and effective communication.
• Delivering major tenders, working with other RSK Biocensus, RSK Nature Repair, RSK Wilding and Nature Positive staff and RSK departments and UK Sales Directors to create winning proposals.
• Understanding the RSK Biocensus, RSK Wilding and/or RSK Nature Repair offerings in detail, carrying out biodiversity assessment, writing BNG proposals and reports, and working closely with developers, landowners and our own habitat creation teams to deliver biodiversity offsets.
• Producing, or overseeing the production of, a wide range of technical reports, directing their completion and reviewing, as necessary, to meet the standards required.
• Assessing the ecological impacts of developments or changes in land management and developing /designing mitigation and monitoring proposals for large and complex projects.
• Overseeing complex aspects of site work and practical elements of habitat management or creation.
• Collaborating with RSK Biocensus, RSK Nature Repair, RSK Wilding and Nature Positive colleagues and other RSK Business Units for the benefit of the company and building strong relationships with senior colleagues.

Key Experience & Qualifications

Ideally you will hold an equivalent of at least a first degree in Ecology or a related subject and have at least if not more than ten years’ specific relevant experience. You will also have a clear understanding of major or complex projects as well as providing consultancy support in a wide range of circumstances. A full membership of CIEEM is also expected.

In addition, you will have experience across other areas such as:

• Rewilding, ecological restoration and nature-based solutions.
• Design and delivery of restoration schemes across a range of scales.
• Specification, contract management and site leadership for delivery of restoration projects.
• Building relationships, bidding, tendering, and management of significant clients.
• Knowledge of current and emerging standards of practice.
• Species specific experience and understanding, including reintroductions, mitigation and licensing.

Previous experience of botanical survey across a range of environments, highly competent in NVC and UK Habitat Classification and ideally with FISC level 5 or 6 would be desirable.

You will also require a Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle for this role.

Personal Attributes

You will be self‑motivated and proactive within the ability to manage projects within a fast‑paced environment. You will have a be able to undertake all work with an appropriate and high level of self‑care, whilst being able to communicate effectively with other stakeholders across the organisation. You will also be comfortable and confident when communicating with clients and coordinating responses to their requests for services.

Where appropriate, you will be able to mentor, coach and develop members of staff, direct reports and specific teams as well as potentially support organisational competencies and training.

Salary & Company Benefits

Along with a competitive salary of £56,000 + depending on experience, you will be able to enjoy a wide range of benefits including:

• Company Life assurance.
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays and private health care.
• Regular training and career development (CPD).
• Contributed pension scheme.
• Discounted Gym Memberships.

Apply today or for any further queries or information regarding the role then please do get in touch with our team.

The Closing date for this role will be Sunday 4th January 2026, with interviews taking place shortly afterwards.

RSK is an Inclusive Employer.