Ecologist

Severn Trent; North East Derbyshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility company is seeking a Senior Ecologist to lead a team and provide expert ecological advice. You will enhance biodiversity through capital schemes and engage with stakeholders to promote environmental efforts. The ideal candidate has a degree in ecology and experience with ecological surveys and biodiversity strategies. This position offers a rewarding career with competitive benefits.

Benefits

28 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual bonus up to £2,250

Leading pension scheme

Sharesave scheme

Childcare discounts

Dedicated training and development

Electric vehicle scheme

Two paid volunteering days

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of species and habitat conservation and relevant legislation.
• Experience with ecological surveys and protected species.
• Knowledge of environmental policy in England and Wales.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological fieldwork and quality assurance, managing surveys and consultant reports.
• Support project planning by identifying ecological risks and opportunities.
• Engage stakeholders and respond to incidents while building relationships.

Skills

Species and habitat conservation

Ecological surveys

Stakeholder engagement

GIS/UKHAB mapping

Education

Degree in ecology or a related field

Tools

Biodiversity Net Gain calculator

Job description

Posting End Date: 01 - Sept - 2025
Location: Midlands
Department: Water Quality & Environment
Salary (£): From £48,850

At Severn Trent, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide when it comes to employee engagement and ranked as a Top 50 UK Employer on Glassdoor. Join us in making a positive impact on the environment and our communities, while being valued and supported in a truly inclusive workplace.

If you want to do more, because you care, we want you on our team.

Everything you need to know

We’re looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our Water Quality & Environment Team.

You’ll lead a small team of ecologists and provide expert ecological advice across the business, helping Severn Trent become an environmental leader. Your work will protect and enhance biodiversity through capital schemes, site management, and partnerships that benefit wildlife.

You’ll also act as an ambassador, engaging customers, regulators, and stakeholders with our environmental efforts.

Key accountabilities:

• Support project planning and delivery by identifying ecological risks and opportunities, securing necessary licenses, and integrating cost-effective mitigation strategies
• Lead ecological fieldwork and quality assurance, including managing surveys, reviewing consultant reports, and overseeing internal and external ecological teams.
• Develop internal capability through creating standards, guidance, and training, while promoting continuous improvement and safe working practices.
• Engage with stakeholders and respond to incidents, building strong relationships with regulators and NGOs, supporting R&D, and providing expert input during environmental events.

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring a solid understanding of species and habitat conservation, relevant legislation, and hold a degree in ecology or a related field. Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain and its calculator is essential, along with knowledge of environmental policy in England and Wales. You’ll also have hands-on experience with ecological surveys, protected species (e.g., bats, badgers, GCN), GIS/UKHAB mapping, and practical conservation design.

Professional membership or chartership is desirable but not essential.

Skills and experience are important, but character, positivity, and a caring attitude matter too. We welcome and celebrate diverse individuals, knowing they help us better serve our communities. We seek people who get involved, want to be part of something bigger, and make a difference because they care.

How we’ll reward and care for you

It's not just a job; it's a career. We offer benefits that reward great work and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. Plus, you'll contribute to the environment and community too. Here are some of our favourites:

• 28 days holiday + bank holidays (option to buy/sell up to 5 days)
• Annual bonus (up to £2,250, subject to eligibility)
• Leading pension scheme (we double your contribution up to 15%)
• Sharesave scheme - the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Childcare discounts and free childcare week
• Dedicated training and development
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail discounts
• Family-friendly policies
• Two paid volunteering days per year

Let’s go

We can't wait to hear from you! Have an updated CV ready and spare five minutes to apply. We'll let you know the outcome after the closing date, so keep an eye on your phone and emails.

Apply here