Ecologist

JN Bentley; Reading; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension matching 4.5-7%

Annual bonus

Professional membership fees

Job summary

Mott MacDonald Bentley is seeking an Ecologist to work on major water and wastewater projects across all life-cycle phases, from initial design through to construction. You will influence scheme design and promote best practices while integrating biodiversity net gain into client advice and strategies.

You will collaborate with a range of professionals on-site or in the office, using integrated solutions and innovative technology, while maintaining quality to build a sustainable environmental

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related subject.
• Knowledge of guidance for ecological surveys.
• Experience in report writing for ecological projects.
• Knowledge of biodiversity net gain assessment and implementation.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across the region.

Responsibilities

• Engage in projects covering all life-cycle phases from design to implementation.
• Contribute to biodiversity net gain strategies and client advisory.
• Collaborate with ecologists and engineers on site or in office.
• Promote integrated solutions and innovative technology with quality at the core.
• Support training and career development within the consultancy.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Report writing

Biodiversity net gain

Driving licence

Willing to travel

Education

Degree in Ecology

Job description

Internal applications are 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 successfully extended its contract with Thames Water for an additional five years. As the largest water and wastewater provider in the UK, Thames Water serves 15 million customers throughout London and the Thames Valley. This extension will carry the current agreement through to the end of AMP8 in March 2030. MMB is delivering work on three frameworks in the region, which sees us undertake a varied programme of water and wastewater non‑infrastructure and infrastructure projects to improve the network.

You will 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 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.