Rail Ecologist: Environmental Compliance & Field Lead

Network Rail; Blackfriars; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking an experienced ecologist to support the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) and SID projects in London. You will deliver specialist ecological guidance across multiple railway projects, ensuring compliance and best practice throughout the project lifecycle.

You will review surveys, develop mitigation strategies, conduct site inspections, and engage with contractors, authorities and multidisciplinary teams to achieve safe, sustainable outcomes for the railway environment.

Qualifications

• A relevant higher degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant Environmental Sciences.
• Good understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and best practice guidance experience
• Be able to identify baseline Ecological constraints during site visits
• Have significant experience of standard survey protocols and methodologies
• Ability to complete rare species surveys
• Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisation skills
• Task orientated team player
• Strong report writing skills
• Knowledge of operational railway environment
• Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard
• Full/associate/graduate membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (depending on experience)
• Experience attending client meetings and working with multi-disciplinary teams
• Competent with Microsoft Office
• Full UK driving licence

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist ecological advice and guidance to project teams, site managers, engineers and planners to support legislative compliance and environmental best practice.
• Review and interpret ecological survey results, assessments and supporting documentation, ensuring recommendations are appropriate, proportionate and effectively implemented.
• Support and assure the delivery of ecological surveys, habitat assessments and protected species work in accordance with current legislation, standards and best practice.
• Undertake site inspections and monitoring visits to assess environmental performance, verify compliance with ecological recommendations and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead and support the development of ecological mitigation strategies, working closely with Environmental Specialists, contractors and the Arboriculture team.
• Assist with environmental impact assessments, environmental appraisals and other ecological assessments required to support project delivery.
• Analyse and interpret ecological information to inform decision-making and contribute to technical reports and environmental documentation.
• Support the implementation and embedding of ecological recommendations to drive continuous improvement in environmental performance.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, local authorities, statutory bodies and members of the public.
• Carry out ecological research and provide technical input to support project planning and delivery.

Skills

Field ecology

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

UK driving licence

Education

Higher degree in Ecology, Zoology or Biological Sciences

CIEEM membership (or eligible)

Job description

Network Rail is seeking an experienced ecologist to support the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) and SID projects in London. You will deliver specialist ecological guidance across multiple railway projects, ensuring compliance and best practice throughout the project lifecycle.

You will review surveys, develop mitigation strategies, conduct site inspections, and engage with contractors, authorities and multidisciplinary teams to achieve safe, sustainable outcomes for the railway environment.