Lead Ecologist - Wildscapes CIC

Wildlife Trusts; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible blended working

9% pension

Training

Staff development

Staff events

Job summary

Wildscapes CIC is seeking a Lead Ecologist to deliver ecological surveys and contract work across South Yorkshire and surrounding counties. The role includes providing technical ecological advice to clients and staff to ensure high-quality services.

The successful candidate will work with a team to shape the CIC's activities, specialise in protected species (including bats), and contribute to projects delivering for people, wildlife and the environment.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of general ecological assessment, including Phase 1 Habitat and UKHab.
• Specialise in one or two protected species, specifically bats.
• Experience delivering ecological surveys and related contract work.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ecological surveys across South Yorkshire and surrounding counties.
• Provide technical ecological advice to clients and staff.
• Support Wildscapes CIC in delivering ecological services and ensuring quality.

Skills

Ecological surveys

Protected species

Technical advice

Biodiversity assessment

UKHab

Tools

UKHab

Job description

Lead Ecologist - Wildscapes CIC

Closing date: Sunday 8 November 2026 Salary: £37,385.84 Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time Location: Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, 37 Stafford Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S2 2SF Remote working Work For Us

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.

About 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:

• Protected Species Surveys bats, GCN, birds, water vole, otters, badgers)
• 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.

Benefits and Working Arrangements

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

• flexible blended working
• a 9% pension contribution (after qualifying period)
• training
• staff development
• staff events