Ecologist / Senior Ecologist

Stantec Inc.; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid / Flexible working

Professional subscriptions

Private medical insurance

Bonus scheme

Job summary

Stantec is seeking an Ecologist or Senior Ecologist to join our growing UK Ecology Team. You will work closely with our Principal Ecologist on diverse projects, spanning water utilities and new opportunities, across the full spectrum of ecological consultancy.

You will mentor junior ecologists, manage projects and client relationships, and travel as needed. A full UK driving licence is required, and a BSc in Ecology or related field is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum BSc in Ecology or related discipline.
• Solid consultancy experience with UK/EU wildlife legislation and policy.
• Protected species survey licence for at least one species (e.g., bats or great crested newts).

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys and assessments across projects spanning multiple sectors.
• Design and implement mitigation and enhancement measures.
• Apply for and obtain protected species licences and contribute to multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Field surveys

Licensing knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

UK wildlife legislation

Education

BSc Ecology or related discipline

Tools

PEA/ECIA experience

Defra Biodiversity Metric

UKHab classification

Job description

You will work closely with our Principal Ecologist across a varied portfolio of projects spanning multiple sectors, with strong links to our existing water utility partnerships and an active pipeline of new opportunities. Day to day, your work will span the full range of ecological consultancy: conducting surveys and assessments, designing and implementing mitigation and enhancement measures, applying for and obtaining protected species licences, and contributing ecological input to multidisciplinary project teams alongside planning, engineering and design colleagues.

We are looking for an Ecologist or Senior Ecologist to join a growing team that is ambitious, collaborative and deeply committed to doing ecology well. If you are ready to take on more complex work, grow your career and be part of something that is genuinely building towards a better natural environment, this could be exactly the right move., At the senior level, you will also play an important role in mentoring junior ecologists, helping them develop the skills and confidence to take on more complex work of their own. You will have real autonomy in how you approach your work, backed by an experienced team and access to training and networking opportunities that support your continued professional growth. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel are required for this role., You hold a minimum BSc in Ecology or a related environmental discipline, and you bring solid consultancy experience alongside a thorough understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and policy. You are skilled in preparing PEAs, ECIAs and ecological chapters, contributing to HRAs, and working confidently with UKHab classification and the Defra Biodiversity Metric. You hold a protected species survey licence for at least one species, such as great crested newts or bats, and you have experience with the protected species licensing process. You are equally comfortable managing projects, budgets and client relationships as you are out in the field, and you bring the communication and leadership skills that make teams work well together. Membership of CIEEM or IEMA and proven line management experience would be a welcome addition, though not essential. If you are ready to take on complex ecological work and make a genuine impact, we would very much like to hear from you.

Biodiversity is no longer a box to tick on a project. It is a central part of how the best work gets designed, delivered and measured. At Stantec, our Ecology Team approaches it that way, combining scientific rigour with genuine innovation to deliver outcomes that make a real difference to the natural environment.

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities. Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients' vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today's challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities. Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success.

• We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies in 2025. Named 'Best Place to Work' and 'International Consulting Firm of the Year' at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right: Industry-leading training and development, as well as paid professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan to support you in becoming chartered.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group, and a wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups)
• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard, as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
• Hybrid / Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach.