Lead Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the water sector is seeking two Lead Ecologists to join their Capital Delivery Team. This hybrid role focuses on embedding ecological best practices in infrastructure projects, ensuring sustainability, and protecting biodiversity. Candidates should have a strong background in ecology, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders effectively.

Qualifications

• Degree or Master's in relevant field required.
• Full member of CIEEM preferred.
• Knowledge of protected species surveys, especially badgers and birds.

Responsibilities

• Oversee de-risking and mitigation of ecology-related risks.
• Review contractors’ ecological documentation to ensure standards.
• Act as key link between Capital Delivery and stakeholders.

Skills

Ecology

Conservation

Biodiversity

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree or Master's in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences

Tools

Biodiversity Metric

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Job Title: Lead Ecologist x2

Location: Hybrid – Reading/London offices, Thames Valley/London site work

Salary: £50,000 - £58,000

Are you passionate about ecology and ready to make an impact in the water and wastewater sector?

If so, this is the job for you!

HSE Recruitment Network are recruiting for a Lead Ecologist with the opportunity to represent the UK’s largest water company, working within the Capital Delivery Team.

The role will be focused on ensuring ecological best practices are embedded in infrastructure projects, driving sustainability while protecting biodiversity.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Oversee de-risking and mitigation of ecology-related risks throughout the project lifecycle, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and conducting ecological walkovers for protected species.
2. Review contractors’ ecological documentation (Method Statements, PEAs, biodiversity assessments) to ensure standards are met, and support biodiversity net gain (BNG) commitments on major projects.
3. Act as the key link between Capital Delivery and stakeholders, driving contractor compliance with BNG targets and promoting ecological awareness to embed environmental responsibility.
4. Assist managers in engaging with regulators, environmental groups, and stakeholders to ensure adherence to environmental legislation at project and programme levels.

Essential Experience, Training and Qualifications:

1. A degree or a master's in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related topic.
2. Full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (preferred).
3. Protected species survey knowledge especially badgers and birds.
4. Expertise with the industry standard Biodiversity Metric.
5. Confidence to speak to all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
6. Background of working on large projects.

Ideal Personality Traits:

1. Excellent interpersonal skills, with gravitas and ability to influence and lead.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of Ecology practices and conservation.
3. Passionate about Ecology.