Ecologist

Network Rail; Greater London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking an experienced ecologist to support a portfolio of railway renewal projects. You will provide ecological advice, review survey results and help integrate environmental management into project delivery.

You will work with project teams, engineers, site managers and contractors to implement mitigation strategies and ensure compliance with UK wildlife legislation throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive field experience across ecological surveys.
• Higher degree in Ecology or related Environmental Sciences
• Strong knowledge of UK and European wildlife legislation.
• Proven ability to identify baseline ecological constraints during site visits.
• Experience with standard survey protocols and rare species surveys.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist ecological advice to project teams to support compliance and best practice.
• Review survey results and ensure recommendations are implemented appropriately.
• Support ecological surveys, habitat assessments and protected species work.
• Undertake site inspections to verify environmental performance.
• Develop mitigation strategies with Environmental Specialists and contractors.
• Assist with environmental impact assessments and appraisals.
• Analyze ecological information to inform decision-making and reports.
• Engage with stakeholders to promote environmental performance.
• Conduct ecological research to support planning and delivery.

Skills

Field experience

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Survey protocols experience

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organisational skills

Team player

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Ecology-related degree

CIEEM membership (Desirable)

Driving licence (Desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office

ISO 14001 knowledge

Job description

Who We Are

The

Who We Are

The Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) brings together industry-leading organisations to develop, mobilise and deliver a £9 billion renewals programme across the Southern region between 2024 and 2034. Through a shared commitment, collective expertise and integrated delivery, SRE will enhance the safety, reliability and performance of the railway for passengers, freight customers and communities.

The Southern Integrated Delivery (SID), which forms part of the SRE, is a fully integrated partnership between AtkinsRéalis, Network Rail, Octavius, VolkerFitzpatrick and VolkerRail. By combining our strengths, capabilities and knowledge, we take collective ownership of the renewals programme and work as one team to deliver outstanding outcomes. Together, we achieve success and share in its benefits.

About The Role

Role Overview

This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your ecological expertise across a diverse portfolio of railway projects, helping to ensure environmental risks are effectively managed and legislative compliance is achieved.

Working closely with project teams, engineers, site managers, environmental specialists and contractors, you will provide specialist ecological advice and guidance to support the safe and compliant delivery of works. You will play a key role in integrating environmental management requirements into project delivery, ensuring ecological considerations are embedded throughout the project lifecycle.

The role combines technical ecological knowledge with environmental assurance, stakeholder engagement and site-based oversight. You will review ecological information, support the development of mitigation strategies, undertake site inspections and help ensure environmental commitments are implemented effectively on the ground.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist who enjoys influencing project outcomes, promoting environmental best practice and supporting the successful delivery of infrastructure projects while protecting the natural environment.

What You'll Do

• Provide specialist ecological advice and guidance to project teams, site managers, engineers and planners to support legislative compliance and environmental best practice.
• Review and interpret ecological survey results, assessments and supporting documentation, ensuring recommendations are appropriate, proportionate and effectively implemented.
• Support and assure the delivery of ecological surveys, habitat assessments and protected species work in accordance with current legislation, standards and best practice.
• Undertake site inspections and monitoring visits to assess environmental performance, verify compliance with ecological recommendations and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead and support the development of ecological mitigation strategies, working closely with Environmental Specialists, contractors and the Arboriculture team.
• Assist with environmental impact assessments, environmental appraisals and other ecological assessments required to support project delivery.
• Analyse and interpret ecological information to inform decision‑making and contribute to technical reports and environmental documentation.
• Support the implementation and embedding of ecological recommendations to drive continuous improvement in environmental performance.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, local authorities, statutory bodies and members of the public.
• Carry out ecological research and provide technical input to support project planning and delivery.

Salary: Band 4C/ £43,588-£53,167

Location: London Puddle Dock

This is a full-time permanent position.

For further information about the role contact the Hiring Manager, Kevin Broughton on telephone number 07711 600 369.

Closing date: 3rd November 2026 - Late applications will not be accepted.

This role has also been advertised externally

Your Experience And Skills

What you'll bring

Essential

• Comprehensive field experience
• A relevant higher degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences
• Good understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and best practice guidance experience
• Be able to identify baseline Ecological constraints during site visits
• Have significant experience of standard survey protocols and methodologies
• Ability to complete rare species surveys
• Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisation skills
• Task orientated team player
• Strong report writing skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of operational railway environment
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard
• Full/associate/graduate membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (depending on experience)
• Experience attending client meetings and working with multi‑disciplinary teams
• Competent with Microsoft Office
• Full UK driving licence

Bring your passion for ecology to Network Rail, where you'll combine hands‑on fieldwork, technical expertise and collaboration to make a positive environmental impact.

Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible.

You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.

• Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer.****