Associate Ecologist

Tetra Tech Europe; Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech Europe is seeking an Associate Ecologist to lead delivery of complex ecological projects across London and the South East. The role involves acting as Project Director/Technical Lead, steering project governance, budgets and client relationships.

You will mentor ecologists, develop new business opportunities and collaborate with planners, engineers and environmental managers to meet Biodiversity Net Gain targets and planning requirements.

Qualifications

• Eight or more years of ecological consultancy experience.
• Experience leading ecology projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
• Proven ability to develop client accounts and seek growth opportunities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain and urban biodiversity.
• UK wildlife legislation and planning policy knowledge.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex ecological projects with multidisciplinary teams.
• Serve as Project Director or Technical Lead, overseeing governance, budgets and outcomes.
• Develop and maintain client accounts, nurture relationships and identify opportunities.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to ecologists at all career stages.
• Collaborate with planners, engineers and environmental managers on planning requirements and environmental constraints.
• Contribute to integrated environmental solutions supporting sustainable development.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client relationships

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Ecology/Environmental Science

MCIEEM membership

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

Associate Ecologist

Lead Ecological Growth and Shape Sustainable Development Across London and the South East

Tetra Tech is seeking an Associate Ecologist to join our Ecology team based in London. In this role you will play a leading part in the growth of our ecology business, supporting a diverse portfolio of residential‑led regeneration, commercial development, infrastructure, aviation, data centre, logistics, urban greening and major transport projects across London and the South East.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As an Associate Ecologist, you will lead the delivery of complex ecological projects across a broad range of sectors, providing strategic ecological advice and ensuring the successful delivery of high‑quality technical outputs. You will act as a Project Director or Technical Lead on key commissions, overseeing project teams, managing client relationships and driving commercial performance. You will also play a key role in developing and maintaining client accounts, identifying growth opportunities and supporting business development activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of ecological projects, managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring technical excellence.
• Serve as Project Director or Technical Lead, overseeing project governance, budgets and commercial outcomes.
• Develop and maintain client accounts, nurture relationships and identify new opportunities.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to ecologists at all career stages.
• Collaborate with planners, landscape architects, engineers and environmental managers to navigate planning requirements, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), protected species constraints and other environmental considerations.
• Contribute to integrated environmental solutions that support sustainable development and client objectives.

Your Impact in this Position

In the short term you will establish strong relationships with existing clients, successfully deliver a portfolio of ecology projects and contribute to regional utilisation and financial performance. As your influence grows, you will expand client relationships, secure repeat business opportunities and improve team capability, efficiency and project delivery. Over the longer term you will shape the strategic direction of the London ecology business and contribute to the successful delivery of nationally significant infrastructure, development and renewable energy projects.

Toolkit for Success at Tetra Tech

Technical Ecology & Leadership

• Significant experience in ecological consultancy with a strong technical background in Ecological Impact Assessment (EIA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), protected species surveys and mitigation.
• Experience providing technical leadership, undertaking complex reviews and ensuring robust, high‑quality ecological advice.

Project & Commercial Management

• Proven ability to manage complex, profitable projects, balancing programme delivery, budget management, forecasting, contract administration and commercial risk.
• Leadership of multidisciplinary project teams and achievement of agreed quality, financial and programme objectives.

Client Relationships & Business Development

• Strong relationship‑building skills with experience developing client accounts, identifying growth opportunities and contributing to work‑winning activities.
• Commercial mindset and confidence to represent the business externally and support strategic growth initiatives.

Leadership & People Development

• Passionate about developing people and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Mentoring, coaching and technical guidance to ecologists at all levels, promoting high standards of performance, inclusion and professional development.

Strategic Collaboration & Environmental Excellence

• Effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, driving continuous improvement and supporting innovation within the ecology service.
• Combining technical excellence with strategic thinking to deliver positive outcomes for clients, communities and the environment.

Mandatory Requirements

• Degree or higher qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences or a related discipline.
• Eight or more years of ecological consultancy experience, typically gained within the sector.
• Full Member of CIEEM (MCIEEM) or eligible to obtain membership.
• Extensive knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and environmental regulations.
• Experience leading ecology projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in Biodiversity Net Gain and natural capital assessments, urban biodiversity knowledge.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Beneficial Experience

Experience within the London planning and development environment, including work with London Boroughs, GLA‑related developments or Transport for London projects, is highly advantageous. Understanding of urban BNG delivery, support for mixed‑use, commercial, residential and infrastructure developments, and an established client network within the London market are also beneficial.

Work Patterns and Locations

The role is based in our London office and supports hybrid working, with a minimum of two to three days per week in the office. The position is predominantly office‑based, with travel required to client sites and other office locations as project and business needs dictate. It offers exposure to a broad range of complex and high‑profile projects across London and the South East.

Equal Opportunity Statement

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.