Ecological Consultant

Brooks Ecological; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy is seeking a qualified Project Ecologist to join their North East ecology team. This role involves managing ecological aspects of various projects across sectors such as Renewables and Built Environment. Candidates should have a relevant degree, experience in ecological survey techniques, and knowledge of UK ecological legislation. It offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits including flexible working arrangements and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working hours

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a relevant degree in Ecology, Biological Sciences or equivalent.
• Experience with a range of ecological survey techniques including botany and ornithology.
• Knowledge of ecological legislation and the ability to manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological aspects of projects and provide client advice.
• Prepare fee proposals and oversee ecological survey work.
• Supervise and mentor staff in ecological projects.

Skills

Ecological survey techniques

Project management

Knowledge of ecological legislation

Ornithology

Botany

Education

Relevant degree (BSc/MSc) in Ecology or Biological Sciences

Eligible for CIEEM membership

Job description

Project Ecologist – North East Ecology Team

Due to continued business growth, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Ecologist to join our North East ecology team in a Senior Field role. Based from our Sheffield or Leeds offices, you will play a lead role in undertaking and delivering a range of projects across our business sectors, particularly including Renewables and Built Environment. This role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for the delivery of ecology inputs to a number of large and complex projects. SLR has a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Licensed members of our team can deal with great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice and reptiles. We’re proud of our strong working relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Role Responsibilities

• Managing/overseeing ecological aspects of projects, advising clients and their contractors on schemes in the power, built environment and infrastructure sectors
• Preparation of fee proposals and scope of works, report writing and technical review of peer and sub‑contractor reports
• Supervision and mentoring of ecology staff; depending on skills and experience, the role may also include staff management and leading site work on particular ecological specialisms
• Scheduling, managing and ensuring delivery of ecological survey work packages on time and budget
• Liaising with other SLR technical teams on a variety of subjects including planning, landscape, hydrology, noise and air quality whilst working closely with

Additional Field Work (subject to skills)

• Ornithology, protected/notable mammals and habitats
• Herpetofauna, fish habitat and invertebrate surveys

Qualifications & Skills

• Relevant degree (BSc/MSc) in Ecology, Biological Sciences or equivalent
• Eligible for Qualifying or Associate level CIEEM membership
• Demonstrable experience in a range of ecological survey techniques, including terrestrial ecology, botany, ornithology or another specialism
• Knowledge of ecological legislation and policy within Scotland and throughout the UK
• Experience in project management duties including planning and scheduling surveys, budget management and client liaison
• Protected/notable species survey experience relevant to Scotland (e.g. bats, reptiles, amphibians, water voles, otters)
• Ornithological, botanical, terrestrial or freshwater fauna survey experience
• Full UK driving licence

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, SLR offers a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days' annual leave, with additional flexible bank holidays, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, with family friendly policies to help balance the needs of professional and home life.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under‑represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent. Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR. SLR Commitment – All applicants with a disability who meet the essential requirements for the job will be guaranteed an interview in line with our Disability Confident Committed status.

If you are interested

If you are interested, and hold a full UK driving licence, we would love to hear from you.