Lead Ecologist

Sustainable Futures Group | SFG; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in sustainability as a Lead Ecologist, overseeing ecological compliance on a landmark power transmission project. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on biodiversity and sustainable construction practices, with opportunities for career growth and leadership in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Family private medical insurance

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Generous employer pension scheme

Flexible working culture

Enhanced parental leave

Share incentive plan

Volunteering leave

Qualifications

• Strong ecological knowledge and understanding of UK wildlife legislation.
• Prior experience delivering ecological mitigation on infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing teams or leading consultants.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological compliance and delivery across a major infrastructure project.
• Manage in-house ecology team and supervise subcontract consultants.
• Develop and implement ecological management plans.

Skills

Ecological knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Job description

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

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Founder & Director at Sustainable Futures Group | SFG - Providing specialist recruitment solutions globally within Sustainability, ESG & HSE…

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 ecology matter - 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:

• Acting as the project’s ecology lead - primary interface for internal teams, the client, and external regulators
• Managing a small in-house ecology team and supervising subcontract consultants
• Developing and implementing ecological management plans aligned with legal and DCO requirements
• Leading on licensing, protected species compliance, and engagement with key stakeholders
• Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery and long-term habitat management strategies
• 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 preferred
• 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 national 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
• 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
• 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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Construction, Services for Renewable Energy, and Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution

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