Lead Ecologist Wildscapes

Waterjobsuk; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9% pension contribution

Job summary

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust is recruiting a Lead Ecologist to join Wildscapes CIC. The role focuses on delivering ecological surveys and specialist assessments, primarily across South Yorkshire, with a flexible blended working pattern.

You will provide expert ecological advice, lead on Phase 1 Habitat/UKHab surveys, and support biodiversity projects including licensing and EIA work. Salary is £37,385.84 per year with a 9% pension entitlement.

Qualifications

• Deliver ecological surveys and related contract work across South Yorkshire and surrounding counties.
• Provide technical ecological advice to clients and staff to ensure high-quality services.
• Specialise in protected species (bat) and related assessments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ecological surveys and related contract work across South Yorkshire and surrounding counties.
• Provide technical ecological advice to clients and staff to ensure high-quality services.
• Support the Wildscapes Ecology Manager and team to reflect the CIC's aims in practice.

Skills

Ecological surveys

Protected species (bats)

Tools

Phase 1 Habitat Surveys

UKHab

Ecological Impact Assessments

Job description

Hours: 37.5 hours a week FT

Duration: Permanent Subject to Business Performance

Job Reference: WSLE- 26

Location: Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, Stafford Road, Sheffield and further afield

Closing Date: Sunday 8th November 26 at midnight

Interview Date: Friday 20th November 26

Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust are recruiting for a Lead Ecologist to join our team in Wildscapes CIC

We are looking for a lead ecologist to become part of a new team who are genuinely shaping the organisation in ensuring our activities reflect and support the aims of the CIC and the wider Wildlife Trust.

The Role

To deliver ecological surveys and related contract work for Wildscapes CIC, primarily working across South Yorkshire and the surrounding counties.

The successful candidate will provide technical ecological advice to clients and staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality ecological services.

Wildscapes CIC delivers a range of ecological services which includes but is not exclusive to:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, which will include Phase 1 Habitat Surveys or UK Habitat Classification Survey (UKHab)
• Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments
• Ecological Impact Assessments
• Ecological Management Plans
• Mitigation and Protected Species Licencing
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)

The successful candidate will have a good level of knowledge and skill in general ecological assessment (i.e. Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, including Phase 1 Habitat and UKHab, and Ecological Impact Assessment) and will specialise in one or two protected species, specifically including bats.

The successful candidate will support the Wildscapes Ecology Manager and the broader team in ensuring that Wildscapes CIC is an innovative social enterprise with an excellent reputation, delivering for people, wildlife, the natural environment, and Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust.

We offer flexible blended working, a 9% pension contribution (after qualifying period), training, staff development and staff events.

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust is working hard to increase diversity across the organisation. Applications are particularly welcome from candidates from ethnic minority candidates.

Lead Ecologist Wildscapes

• Region: Yorkshire and Humber
• Vicinity: Sheffield
• Industry Sector: Conservation Jobs, Ecology Jobs, Water Jobs, Environmental Jobs, Biodiversity Jobs, Wildlife Jobs, Nature Conservation Jobs, Wildlife Conservation Jobs, Stakeholder Engagement Jobs, Environmental Management Jobs, Habitat Management Jobs
• Job Category: Customer Support/Client Care, Legal/Regulatory, Project Management, Ecologist, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Planning, Reporting, Surveying, Ecological Consultant
• Job Type: Permanent
• Education Level: Please see job description
• Salary: £37,385.84per annum
• Salary Description: + 9% pension contribution entitlement
• Posted: 12/10/2026
• Start Date: ASAP
• Recruiter: Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust
• Job Ref: GreenJobs - WSLE- 26
• Closing Date: 08/11/2026