Lead Ecologist

idibu; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the water and wastewater sector is seeking a Lead Ecologist to be pivotal in shaping environmental aspects for projects across the Thames Valley. The role involves overseeing ecological practices, ensuring compliance, and engaging with stakeholders to drive biodiversity initiatives while offering a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

26 days holiday, increasing to 30 with service

Contributory pension scheme (up to 12%)

Annual personal medical assessments

Access to benefits hub and well-being offers

Qualifications

• Degree or Master’s in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences, or related fields.
• Full membership of CIEEM preferred.
• Knowledge of protected species surveys, especially badgers and birds.

Responsibilities

• Oversee de-risking and mitigation activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review contractors' documentation for ecological surveys and assessments.
• Act as a key interface for stakeholder groups involved in Biodiversity Net Gain.

Skills

Knowledge of protected species surveys

Expertise with Biodiversity Metric

Stakeholder engagement

Experience working on large projects

Education

Degree or Master’s in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences

Full membership of CIEEM

Job description

Lead Ecologist – Capital Delivery Team

Are you passionate about ecology and ready to make a real impact in the water and wastewater sector?

As a Lead Ecologist within our Capital Delivery team, you'll be pivotal in shaping environmental aspects for projects across the Thames Valley, the home counties, and beyond.

Working closely with our Environmental Technical Assurance Engineers, you'll ensure ecological best practices are embedded in infrastructure projects, driving sustainability and compliance while protecting biodiversity.

What you’ll be doing as a Lead Ecologist

1. Oversee de-risking and mitigation activities throughout the project lifecycle from Preliminary Design through completion, focusing on ecology-related risks. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and support proactive initiatives such as ecological walkovers for protected species.
2. Review contractors' documentation including Method Statements for ecological surveys, PEAs, and biodiversity assessments to ensure standards are met. Support biodiversity net gain commitments across major projects.
3. Act as a key interface between Capital Delivery and internal/external stakeholder groups involved in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Promote ecological awareness and ensure contractor compliance with biodiversity net gain objectives.
4. Support regulatory relationships with bodies like Natural England, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation at project and programme levels.

We are recruiting for two roles, one based at Hybrid, Clearwater Court, Reading, and the other at Hampton Coal Wharf, Hybrid. You will be required on-site 2-3 days a week.

Working hours: 36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Candidates must have a driver’s license and access to a car.

What you should bring to the role

• A degree or master’s in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences, or related fields.
• Full membership of CIEEM (preferred).
• Knowledge of protected species surveys, especially badgers and birds.
• Expertise with the Biodiversity Metric industry standard.
• Confidence in engaging with all stakeholder levels.
• Experience working on large projects.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary: £50,000 to £58,000 per annum.
• 26 days holiday, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12%).
• Annual personal medical assessments.
• Access to benefits hub and well-being offers.

Learn more about our benefits and perks.

Who are we?

We’re Thames Water, the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers daily. We aim to build a sustainable future, helping communities and protecting the environment. Join us to make a difference.

Why work with Thames Water?

We offer a diverse, rewarding environment with career growth, flexible working, and excellent benefits. We value inclusion and support all applicants, removing barriers to success.

During crises, we rally together to support our customers, and as part of Team Thames, you can participate in frontline support initiatives, with full training provided.

Note: Due to high application volumes, we may close the advert early. We encourage prompt applications.