Ecologist

Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd; St Albans; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A large civil engineering contractor is seeking an Ecologist to support water projects across the UK. The ideal candidate will lead Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, conduct Habitat surveys, and liaise with regulatory bodies. Applicants should have a degree in Ecology or Environmental Management and a preference for CIEEM membership. With a salary up to £70k, benefits include a company car and opportunities to build a department, this role is ideal for those looking to grow in the civil engineering sector.

Benefits

Company car

Bonus

Pension

Career opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Management, or a related field.
• Full membership of CIEEM is highly preferred.
• Previous experience in the Water sector is a distinct advantage.
• At least one specialist survey license (e.g., GCN or Bat) is essential.
• Contractor mindset: proactive in solving problems related to environmental impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Conduct Phase 1 Habitat surveys and oversee protected species surveys.
• Interface with the Environment Agency for ecological planning conditions.

Skills

Biodiversity Net Gain assessments

Phase 1 Habitat surveys

GIS

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Management

Full membership of CIEEM

Tools

Environmental Management Plan

Job description

Danny Sullivan Group are currently recruiting for an Ecologist for a role with a large civil engineering contractor specialising in water projects, tunnelling and pipeline works. They are looking for a candidate to join them to work across AMP8 projects that they have across the UK and to build their ecological side of the business in line with company growth. Ideal candidate would have practical experience on similar project types or in the civil engineering sector.

Responsibilities

1. 1. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) & Strategy
   • Lead the mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the statutory metric for all new water infrastructure assets.
   • Oversee the design and implementation of onsite and offsite habitat banks to offset project footprints.
   • Advise the design team early in the project lifecycle to \"design out\" ecological risks, saving millions in potential delays.
2. 2. Fieldwork & Licensing
   • Conduct and oversee Phase 1 Habitat surveys and protected species surveys (Great Crested Newts, Bats, Water Voles, Otters, and Badgers).
   • Act as the named ecologist on European Protected Species (EPS) licenses and manage the relationship with Natural England or NatureScot.
   • Act as the Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), providing toolbox talks to site teams and ensuring the \"Construction Environmental Management Plan\" (CEMP) is followed.
3. 3. Stakeholder & Regulatory Liaison
   • Interface with the Environment Agency and local planning authorities to clear ecology‑related planning conditions.
   • Utilise GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to map ecological constraints and provide real‑time data to Project Managers.

Experience / Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Management, or a related field.
• Full membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management) is highly preferred.
• Previous experience in the Water sector or on linear infrastructure (pipelines/highways) is a distinct advantage.
• At least one specialist survey license (e.g., GCN or Bat) is essential.
• Contractor mindset: you understand that \"The project must move forward\" and you are a problem‑solver who finds ways to mitigate environmental impact without halting construction.

Benefits

Salary up to £70k, company car, bonus, benefits and strong pension. Excellent career opportunities and chance to build your own department within this progressive contractor.