Ecologist

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Electric car scheme

Employee recognition programmes

Family-friendly support

Exclusive retail discounts

Employee assistance programmes

Enhanced company pension

Job summary

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is seeking an experienced Ecologist to lead ecological projects across the UK. You will conduct bat, bird, and other protected species surveys, coordinate fieldwork, and contribute to ecological reports and regulatory submissions.

Your role will involve mentorship and delivering high-quality outcomes across Infrastructure, Utilities, Development and Conservation sectors. The position is nationwide with flexible work options (office-based, remote, or hybrid).

Qualifications

• Hold Natural England Level 2 Class Licence with experience leading bat surveys.
• Full membership of CIEEM or equivalent.
• Proven experience leading ecological surveys and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead wide range of ecological surveys including bats, birds, reptiles and other protected species.
• Independently undertake bat surveys and apply for mitigation licences with Natural England.
• Prepare Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments.

Skills

Bat surveys

Project management

Technical reporting

Mentorship

Team collaboration

Education

Natural England Level 2 Licence

CIEEM membership

Tools

Field survey equipment

Job description

About Environment & Safety

SOCOTEC’s Environment and Safety team provides expert environmental, health and safety consultancy and compliance services that help organisations manage risk, protect people and safeguard the environment. Our services include environmental monitoring and consultancy, water safety and hygiene solutions with Legionella risk assessments and water system management, fire safety consultancy and inspections, occupational hygiene assessments and workplace exposure monitoring, and specialist advisory support on regulatory and sustainability challenges. We use industry-leading tools and science-based approaches to deliver accurate data, practical guidance and innovative solutions that ensure compliance with UK legislation, minimise environmental impact and create healthier, safer workplaces for clients

Company Description

About Environment & Safety

SOCOTEC’s Environment and Safety team provides expert environmental, health and safety consultancy and compliance services that help organisations manage risk, protect people and safeguard the environment. Our services include environmental monitoring and consultancy, water safety and hygiene solutions with Legionella risk assessments and water system management, fire safety consultancy and inspections, occupational hygiene assessments and workplace exposure monitoring, and specialist advisory support on regulatory and sustainability challenges. We use industry-leading tools and science-based approaches to deliver accurate data, practical guidance and innovative solutions that ensure compliance with UK legislation, minimise environmental impact and create healthier, safer workplaces for clients

What's in it for you?

• Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday (with the option to buy more), an electric car scheme (where applicable), employee recognition programmes, family-friendly support, exclusive retail discounts, employee assistance programmes, and an enhanced company pension.
• SOCOTEC UK & Ireland are proud to be Disability Confident accredited.

Job Description

Ecologist

(CL18 licence minimum)

Are you an experienced Ecologist with a Level 2 (or higher) bat licence, looking to take the lead on technically challenging projects across the UK? At SOCOTEC, you’ll join a growing and highly respected ecology team, delivering work across the infrastructure, utilities, development and conservation sectors, while helping to shape the future growth of our ecology services. This is an exciting opportunity to excel as an Ecologist, taking a leading role in providing ecological expertise and supporting the continued success of our business. This is a nationwide role. As SOCOTEC continues to grow and develop, we are expanding our teams and have an excellent opportunity for an experienced Ecologist to join our Environment & Safety Division and wear the SOCOTEC badge with pride. We are looking for a proactive, reliable and flexible Ecologist to join our Environmental team. To thrive in this role, you’ll need to be comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of projects, while also being a strong team player and providing support and mentorship to junior colleagues. Experience within ecological consultancy, alongside comprehensive knowledge of the industry, is essential. Where applicable, we will also provide support and mentoring towards MCIEEM and CEcoP chartership.

The tasks you will undertake will include (but are not limited to):

• Lead and conduct a wide range of ecological surveys, including surveys for bats, birds, reptiles, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and other protected species
• Independently undertake bat surveys utilising your Natural England Level 2 (or higher) bat licence and apply for mitigation licences with Natural England
• Prepare and deliver high-quality Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments
• Produce comprehensive ecological survey reports and technical assessments to professional standards
• Lead fieldwork operations, ensuring accurate data collection and maintenance of detailed field notes
• Undertake 'out-of-hours' surveys, including ecological watching briefs and protected species survey works
• Manage complex ecological projects from inception to completion
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members
• Maintain accurate and well-organised data records in accordance with industry standards
• Take full responsibility for project management, ensuring deadlines are met and work is completed to the highest standard
• Contribute to business development activities including tender preparation and client liaison
• Support related environmental works such as soil and groundwater monitoring where required

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Hold a Natural England Level 2 Class Licence (or equivalent) with demonstrable experience of independently leading bat survey programmes and contributing to mitigation licensing.
• Hold full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Proven experience in leading ecological surveys and assessments
• Ability to manage projects independently with minimal supervision, delivering on time and to a high standard of quality and safety
• Strong technical report writing and communication skills
• Competence in contributing to proposals, tenders and other allocated business operations
• Capability to manage workload effectively to meet operational performance and financial targets
• Commitment to continuous professional development to enable the ongoing success and growth of the business
• Excellent planning and organisational skills to ensure effective delivery of projects
• Thorough understanding of quality and financial systems, ensuring compliance at all times
• Ability to maintain and manage all safety and survey-related equipment within your area of responsibility

Additional Information

Why SOCOTEC?

Join a thriving community of over 2,000 industry professionals who are passionate about making a real difference. At SOCOTEC UK, we're not just delivering services - we're shaping the future of testing, inspection, and certification across the nation. What sets us apart? Our people. We've built our reputation on attracting exceptional talent like you and empowering them to deliver excellence at every turn. Our comprehensive range of TIC services means you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse, challenging projects that truly matter.

Your Career, Your Way

Build a traditional career path or explore opportunities across multiple disciplines - all within SOCOTEC. Your choice, your direction.

Work Your Way

Local, national, or global projects. Office-based, remote, or hybrid. We offer the flexibility that empowers you to perform at your best.

Committed to Your Growth

From day one, you'll have access to comprehensive training, mentorship, and development programs. We support every step of your professional journey. #YouGrowWeGrow

Think you've got what it takes to add value to our success? We would love to hear from you and look forward to receiving your application.

Building a safer and more sustainable world is the core mission we set out to achieve at SOCOTEC, it is at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to acting as a key player in society, investing in innovative solutions to ensure social and environmental concerns are at the forefront of all of our business operations.