Senior Ecologist

Geoscience Ireland; Bolton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global environmental consultancy seeks an experienced Ecologist to join their Bolton team. The position involves managing a variety of ecological projects, preparing technical reports, and mentoring team members. The successful candidate will have a background in ecology, excellent communication skills, and relevant memberships. Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package offered.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave

Flexible bank holidays

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience managing ecological projects to completion.
• Experience preparing technical reports like Ecological Impact Assessments.
• Specialist knowledge in areas such as bats or habitat restoration is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Managing ecological projects, ensuring standards are met.
• Producing and overseeing ecological appraisals and reports.
• Mentoring junior team members.

Skills

Project Management

Ecological Assessments

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate or Full member of CIEEM

Job description

Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong now forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. The Ecology team is highly successful and as part of our ongoing plans we wish to recruit an experienced Ecologist to join our friendly and successful team in Bolton.

The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Licensed members of our team can deal with great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice and reptiles. We’re proud of our strong working relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The ecology team works alongside several other environmental professionals within the Firm, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects and engineers.

The role

Project work will be varied, with a strong focus on renewable energy, infrastructure, residential schemes, and other commercial development projects. Applicants must be flexible over travel and hours, particularly during survey periods, and be prepared to work away from home as projects require. A full driving licence and access to a car are required.

• Managing ecological projects (commensurate with experience), assisting team leads with resource allocation and financial budgets, addressing client feedback, and ensuring effective communication on all projects.
• Producing and overseeing ecological appraisals, reports, licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, EPS licences, and similar documents.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• Carrying out ecological surveys as necessary, ensuring standards are met.
• Assisting with fee proposal preparations.

About us

SLR is a global leader in Sustainability Solutions, with over 4,000 employees across 6 regions in more than 125 countries. Our ‘one team’ culture fosters collaboration and professional growth. We offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including a company pension, healthcare, travel, life insurance, and a structured career framework with regular reviews for progression. We provide 25 days of annual leave, flexible bank holidays, and support flexible, agile, and hybrid working arrangements to balance professional and personal commitments.

About you

• Experience managing ecological projects to completion and reporting to standards required by planning authorities and environmental agencies.
• Experience preparing technical reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments, etc.
• Experience in Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments and designing solutions.
• Self-motivated with strong communication skills and team-oriented.
• Associate or Full member of CIEEM or relevant institute.
• Specialist knowledge in areas such as ornithology, bats, or habitat restoration is desirable.
• Personal species licences for bats, GCN, otter are desirable.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and fostering an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities or neurodivergence. Please inform us of any adjustments needed during the recruitment process. As a Disability Confident employer, we strive to support all applicants equitably.