Biodiversity Net Gain Consultant

ERM: Environmental Resources Management; Harrogate; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sustainability consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior Ecologist to drive Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. The role involves leading as a key expert, collaborating with teams, and managing project inputs. Candidates should have significant experience in BNG assessments and an awareness of UK planning legislation. The company offers flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits including private medical insurance, 25 days of annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + public holidays

6% employer pension contribution

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection

Cycle2Work scheme

Discounts on gym membership and gift cards

Qualifications

• Significant industry experience in Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK legislation and planning system.

Responsibilities

• Lead as the first point of contact for expert advice on BNG.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to meet BNG requirements.
• Manage ecological inputs on medium to large-scale projects.

Skills

Biodiversity Net Gain assessments

Knowledge of UK Habitat Classification System

Excellent communication skills

Technical writing skills

Education

Full membership of a professional body

Job description

Location: Hybrid from any of our 16 UK offices

Our time is NOW.

ERM, the worlds largest pure play sustainability consultancy, are hiring for an experienced Senior Ecologist with a robust background in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments within the UK. This role is primarily desk-based and involves supporting our wider UK team in delivering BNG assessments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead from the front, acting as the first point of contact for expert advice on BNG for colleagues and clients
• Utilize your background in terrestrial ecology and knowledge of the UK Habitat Classification System
• Apply your experience with the BNG metric and other UK metrics (e.g., SSER Toolkit)
• Develop fee proposals
• Engage in higher-level technical writing (e.g., ES ecology chapters)
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, building rapport and trust to ensure BNG requirements are met
• Manage ecological inputs on medium to large-scale projects
• Identify risks and opportunities relating to BNG, minimizing the former and capitalizing on the latter
• Balance and manage priorities, maintaining good working relationships under pressure
• Plan resources and workloads effectivelyMentor and learn from others, fostering team and individual resilience

Why join ERM?

Flexible working to suit your life – need to do the school run? Not a problem! More productive and happy if you work from home a few days per week? Go ahead! Love to travel? Ask about our Cross Border Remote Working! You’ll have 25 days annual leave + public holidays, 6% employer pension contribution, twice annual promotion opportunities, annual salary review and performance related bonus, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, EV car salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle2Work scheme, travel season ticket loan, volunteering and Give As You Earn opportunities, employee assistance programme and premium account for Calm (the #1 app for sleep and meditation) in order to look after your wellbeing, plus discounts on gym membership and gift cards for a wide variety of retailers and restaurants.

We offer employees a safety first, diverse and inclusive culture in which difference is embraced, valued and celebrated. Through ERM Foundation we provide support for non-profit organisations and social enterprises that share our commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable world. With a robust career framework in place and 20+ technical communities of global experts you can join, there are great opportunities to advance your career here at ERM. Take a look at our Sustainability Report and watch our video to learn more.

About you

• Significant industry experience in BNG assessments
• Full membership of a professional body or equivalent experience
• Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and manage large-scale projects
• Strong knowledge of UK legislation and the planning system.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills with keen attention to detail

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ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report.