Ecologist

Mott MacDonald Bentley | MMB; Leeds; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions up to 7%

Annual bonus scheme

Flexible working

Job summary

Mott MacDonald Bentley is seeking an Ecologist to work on major water and wastewater schemes across all project phases in Leeds. You will influence design, support biodiversity net gain, and collaborate with environmental and engineering colleagues to deliver sustainable solutions.

The role requires a degree in Ecology, a valid driving licence, and willingness to travel to sites within the operational region. Training and career development are emphasised within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• A degree in Ecology (or related subject) and knowledge of guidance for surveys.
• Experience in report writing.
• Experience in biodiversity net gain assessment.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel to sites within the region.
• Protected species licence or working towards one.

Responsibilities

• Engage in projects covering all life cycle phases from design to implementation, influencing scheme design and best practices.
• Contribute to biodiversity net gain discussions and client strategies.
• Work on a diverse range of projects and collaborate with ecologists and other professionals.
• Collaborate on-site or in the office with the team to build understanding of the consultancy and construction business.
• Promote integrated solutions and innovative technology while maintaining quality.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Report writing

Biodiversity net gain

Driving licence

Site travel

Education

Degree in Ecology

Job description

Internal applicants welcome

Mott MacDonald Bentley is a fully integrated design and build business combining the design expertise of Mott MacDonald with the contracting experience of JN Bentley to deliver award winning projects. Working for Mott MacDonald Bentley, you will work on major water and wastewater schemes throughout all phases of the project from feasibility through to construction. With an annual turnover surpassing £500 million, Mott Macdonald Bentley cements its position as a leader within the industry. The sustained, robust business performance creates an ideal environment for career growth.

MMB has been working with Yorkshire Water since MMB's creation in 1999, delivering a huge variety of projects - from restoring and upgrading picturesque reservoirs, to installing the latest technology to provide clean drinking water or treat sewerage to protect rivers - we've done it all. We have several frameworks with Yorkshire Water and remain a delivery partner into AMP8, keeping our team of over 300 people busy for years to come.

As an Ecologist you'll work on projects that make a real difference to our environment and our communities - enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of water and wastewater treatment systems.

The role of an Ecologist includes

• Engaging in projects that cover all phases of the life cycle, from initial design to implementation. Your involvement allows for significant influence on scheme design, enhancements, and the promotion of best practices.
• Embracing the exciting advancements in delivering Net Benefits to Biodiversity, with opportunities to integrate these into client advice and collaborate with clients to develop their strategies accordingly.
• Working on a diverse range of projects and tasks to challenge you and help you reach your full potential. This approach maximises your opportunities and training, fostering both your skills and our business growth.
• Collaborating as part of our team, whether on-site or in the office, alongside ecologists of varying experience levels and our environmental and engineering colleagues. This teamwork will deepen your understanding of our consultancy and construction business.
• Using and promoting integrated solutions and innovative technology, while ensuring quality is maintained and helping us to build a lasting and sustainable environmental business.

What you’ll need

• A degree in Ecology (or directly related subject).
• Knowledge, understanding and experience of applying relevant guidance for surveys.
• Report writing experience.
• Knowledge of assessing and implementing biodiversity net gain.
• A valid driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across your operational region
• Protected species licence or working towards one

What’s in it for you:

Financial wellbeing

• MMB match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues including our annual bonus schemes.
• Payment of annual professional institution subscription costs

Health and wellbeing

• A minimum of 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays, with the ability to buy, sell or carry over annual leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• Access to Life Assurance / Private Medical Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance and Health Screening options
• We are happy to talk openly about flexible working and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace.
• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.

Enhanced family and carers leave

• Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave plus the option for shared parental leave.
• Up to 2 paid additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities

Learning and development

• MMB are committed to empowering our people to grow professionally and thrive in their careers. We offer structured development schemes that support your journey toward professional chartership. From day one, employees are fast-tracked towards chartership reviews and benefit from mentorship, hands‑on experience, and tailored training opportunities

Mott MacDonald Bentley are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Other Information

This is a Mott MacDonald Bentley role, employed by Mott MacDonald.

Mott MacDonald Bentley is a joint venture business, established in 1999 between civil engineering contractor JN Bentley and global management consultancy, Mott MacDonald.

Mott MacDonald Bentley offers fully integrated design and build services to its clients, combining the contracting expertise of JN Bentley and the design specialisms of Mott MacDonald.

This role is employed by Mott MacDonald but will involve working across the joint venture business, both with Mott MacDonald and JN Bentley colleagues.

About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy.

Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.

Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

A Mott MacDonald Bentley we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace where everyone feels included, has the opportunity to thrive, and is treated with respect.

Even if you don’t meet every requirement for this role but are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply. Find out more about our approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion here: https://www.mottmacbentley.co.uk/people.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment practices are barrier-free and as inclusive as possible. This includes making adjustments during the job application process and throughout your future career with us. Please call 01756 691572 or email [e-mail] to discuss any such adjustments that we can make. You can read more about our Equal Opportunities Policy here: Equality, diversity and inclusion - Mott MacDonald

Agile working

We are committed to providing a flexible and agile working environment that supports both our employees and the needs of the business.

Location(s): Leeds, GB

Contract Type: Permanent

Work Pattern: Full Time

Market: Water

Discipline: Water

Job Ref: 13561