Lead Ecologist: Complex Surveys & Biodiversity Impact

Origin Environmental; Guiseley; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

CIEEM membership

Hybrid working

25 days holiday

Job summary

Origin Enterprises is seeking a Senior/Principal Ecologist to lead complex ecological surveys and deliver integrated ecological solutions across development, infrastructure, conservation, and biodiversity projects in the UK and Ireland.

The role involves providing technical expertise, managing projects and client relationships, and mentoring junior staff, with substantial consulting experience and strong reporting skills.

Qualifications

• Significant consultancy experience.
• Liaising with clients, planning authorities, and conservation bodies.
• Clear, succinct and robust technical reports (PEAs, protected species surveys).
• Thorough knowledge of wildlife legislation and the planning system.
• Full driving license.

Responsibilities

• Leading and delivering complex ecological surveys, assessments, and mitigation across projects spanning development, infrastructure, conservation, and biodiversity enhancement.
• Providing technical expertise, managing projects and client relationships, and mentoring junior staff.
• Conducting Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and protected species surveys (e.g., bats, GCN, reptiles, badgers).
• Preparing high-quality ecological reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, and mitigation plans.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, planning policy, and best practice guidance.
• Liaising with stakeholders including clients, planning authorities, and conservation bodies.

Skills

Consultancy experience

Client liaison

Technical report writing

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Habitat surveys

BNG experience

Attention to detail

Education

CIEEM membership (desirable)

Tools

QGIS

Job description

Origin Enterprises is seeking a Senior/Principal Ecologist to lead complex ecological surveys and deliver integrated ecological solutions across development, infrastructure, conservation, and biodiversity projects in the UK and Ireland.

The role involves providing technical expertise, managing projects and client relationships, and mentoring junior staff, with substantial consulting experience and strong reporting skills.