Ecologist

JR United Kingdom; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based renewable energy developer is seeking an experienced Ecologist to support multiple solar and battery storage projects. This role involves conducting ecological assessments and surveys, working closely with the Planning Manager, and the opportunity to shape the ecology function internally. Ideal candidates will have 5+ years' experience, especially in renewable energy, and be comfortable with fieldwork and data assessments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in ecology, ideally in the renewable energy sector.
• Ability to work autonomously across multiple sites.
• Comfortable with ecological assessments and surveys.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and surveys.
• Work closely with the Planning Manager on site development.
• Lead the internal ecology function as it develops.

Skills

Ecologist experience

Fieldwork ability

Conducting biodiversity surveys

Job description

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Location: London, England (Hybrid Working)

A UK-based renewable energy developer is expanding its in-house capabilities as it scales up the delivery of large-scale solar and battery storage projects across the country. Backed by a major infrastructure investor through a joint venture, the company has a growing pipeline of 5–7MW sites (typically around 20 acres) and plans to add 20–30 new sites in the near future. Onshore wind is also being explored as a future addition to the portfolio.

To support this growth, the business is bringing previously outsourced functions in house — starting with ecology. They’re now looking to hire an experienced Ecologist (with scope for a second hire), to work closely with the Planning Manager across development and consenting. This is a field-based role with regular site visits and ideally one day per week in the London office, offering the opportunity to shape and lead the ecology function as it develops.

Why this role exists:

Due to a growing project pipeline and increasing volume of sites under development, the team is now looking to internalise resources previously outsourced — ecology being a key priority.

Where this role sits:

This will be the first ecologist to join the business in-house, with a clear opportunity to grow a small internal ecology team in future.

Essential experience and skills

• Circa 5+ years' experience working as an ecologist, ideally in the renewable energy sector
• Able to work autonomously across multiple sites and stages of development
• Comfortable conducting Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Visual Landscape Impact Assessments, and biodiversity surveys (birds, bats, reptiles etc.)
• Enthusiastic about regular time on-site, with a mix of fieldwork and desktop assessments

Nice to have

• Background in solar and battery projects, with onshore wind experience as a bonus
• Experience working in or alongside consultancies, including management of third-party stakeholders
• Membership with CIEEM or similar industry body

With a consistently growing project pipeline, this role offers the opportunity to take on increasingly complex projects and develop into more senior positions within the business.

If you're interested, please apply below: