Lead Ecologist

ZipRecruiter; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Lead Ecologist for a landmark infrastructure project in the UK, focusing on ecological compliance and biodiversity management. This role offers long-term career potential, competitive salary, and the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in a values-driven environment.

Benefits

Company car or car allowance

Annual bonus scheme

Family private medical insurance

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Generous employer pension scheme

Ongoing Training & Development opportunities

Family-Friendly Policies

Share incentive plan

Volunteering leave

Recognition schemes

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation.
• Experience in ecological mitigation on infrastructure projects.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological compliance for a major infrastructure project.
• Manage in-house ecology team and supervise subcontractors.
• Develop ecological management plans aligned with legal requirements.

Skills

Ecological knowledge

Client management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

CIEEM membership

Job description

Job Description

Are you ready to take the lead on one of the UK’s most environmentally ambitious infrastructure projects? We’re supporting a nationally recognised contractor delivering a once-in-a-generation, state-backed power transmission upgrade — part of a major programme to modernise the UK’s energy infrastructure. With extensive ecological sensitivities and a multi-year construction timeline, this is a rare opportunity to step into a strategic, high-profile role with genuine long-term career potential.

As Lead Ecologist, you’ll lead ecological compliance and delivery across this nationally significant Development Consent Order (DCO) scheme. You’ll act as the central point of contact for ecological matters — working closely with the client, statutory bodies (e.g., Natural England, RSPB), consultants, and internal delivery teams to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable construction.

What you’ll be doing:

1. Acting as the project’s ecology lead — primary interface for internal teams, the client, and external regulators
2. Managing a small in-house ecology team and supervising subcontract consultants
3. Developing and implementing ecological management plans aligned with legal and DCO requirements
4. Leading on licensing, protected species compliance, and engagement with key stakeholders
5. Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery and long-term habitat management strategies
6. Providing strategic ecological advice to delivery teams — shaping decisions

What we’re looking for:

• Strong ecological knowledge and understanding of UK wildlife legislation
• Prior experience delivering ecological mitigation on live infrastructure or linear construction projects such as Rail, Highways, Utilities
• Confidence in managing clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary teams
• Familiarity with DCO frameworks, BNG, and environmental permitting (desirable)
• Degree in Ecology or a related field (essential); CIEEM membership
• Experience managing teams or leading consultants
• Willingness to be site-based 3–4 days per week (Ipswich/Colchester area) with flexible home working

Why this role?

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead on a landmark infrastructure scheme with ecological complexity and visibility. With long-term project security, regular regulator engagement, and future growth into leadership roles, this role offers the scope, support, and scale to make a meaningful impact.

You’ll join a collaborative, values-driven team at a critical time — helping shape biodiversity outcomes from pre-construction through to post-delivery habitat success.

What’s on offer:

• A very competitive basic salary
• Company car or car allowance
• Annual bonus scheme
• Family private medical insurance
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Generous employer pension scheme
• Permanent, full-time role (40 hours/week) with flexible working culture
• Ongoing Training & Development opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies (including enhanced parental leave)
• Share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes, and much more…

Apply now through Sustainable Futures Group (SFG) — Global Recruitment Experts in Sustainability, ESG & HSE