Senior Ecologist

Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited; Caerphilly; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' annual leave

Company pension scheme

Hybrid working

Autonomy and responsibility

Job summary

Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join a major utilities/infrastructure client. The role will own ecology across pipelines in South Wales and the South West, advising engineering teams and ensuring regulatory compliance to progress projects.

Initial focus on two high‑pressure pipelines (~50 km each) across diverse landscapes, with potential to grow an internal ecology team and capability. Hybrid working with site visits across Wales, South West, and South Wales.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Experience as Ecologist or Senior Ecologist on infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecology legislation and regulatory processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide ecological advice across major infrastructure and pipeline projects.
• Advise engineering and project teams on ecological risks and requirements.
• Liaise with Natural Resources Wales, the Environment Agency and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with external ecological consultants and contractors.
• Review ecological surveys, mitigation plans and recommendations.
• Ensure projects comply with environmental legislation and planning requirements.
• Identify ecological constraints and provide practical solutions.
• Support project teams in progressing works safely, legally and efficiently.
• Attend site meetings and stakeholder discussions.
• Provide oversight of externally commissioned ecology work.
• Help develop internal ecology capability and recruit additional ecologists.

Skills

Report writing

Communication skills

Independent working

Education

Degree in Ecology/Environmental Science

Job description

Our client is a major utilities and infrastructure organisation responsible for delivering and maintaining critical infrastructure across Wales and the South West.

Due to continued investment in major infrastructure projects, they are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their internal project team. This is a newly created position and represents an excellent opportunity for an ecologist to take ownership of ecology matters across several significant schemes.

The successful candidate will initially support two major high-pressure pipeline projects across South Wales, each extending approximately 50 kilometres through a variety of landscapes and environmentally sensitive areas. They will also provide ecological support across the wider network throughout Wales and the South West.

The role will involve advising engineering and project teams, ensuring environmental compliance and helping projects progress efficiently while meeting all ecological and regulatory requirements.

This is currently a standalone ecology position reporting directly to the engineering lead. However, there is potential for the successful candidate to help develop and grow an internal ecology team in the future.

Senior Ecologist Job Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
• Previous experience working as an Ecologist or Senior Ecologist
• Experience supporting major infrastructure, utilities, rail, highways, transport or construction projects
• Strong understanding of UK ecology legislation and environmental regulations
• Experience liaising with regulatory bodies and environmental stakeholders
• Ability to provide practical ecological advice to engineering and project teams
• Experience managing ecological constraints while supporting project delivery
• Strong report writing and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of ecology matters
• Comfortable attending sites and project meetings across Wales and the South West
• Full UK driving licence
• The client requires someone who understands the importance of maintaining compliance while also supporting projects to progress within programme timescales.

Senior Ecologist Job Responsibilities

• Provide ecological advice across major infrastructure and pipeline projects
• Advise engineering and project delivery teams on ecological risks and requirements
• Liaise with Natural Resources Wales, the Environment Agency and other relevant stakeholders
• Coordinate with external ecological consultants and contractors
• Review ecological surveys, reports, mitigation plans and recommendations
• Ensure projects comply with relevant environmental legislation and planning requirements
• Identify ecological constraints and provide practical solutions
• Support project teams in progressing works safely, legally and efficiently
• Attend site meetings, project meetings and stakeholder discussions
• Provide oversight of externally commissioned ecology work
• Help ensure external consultants are providing proportionate and appropriate recommendations
• Support the development of the organisation's internal ecology capability
• Potentially assist with recruiting and managing additional ecologists as the team grows

Senior Ecologist Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• 25 days' annual leave
• Company pension scheme with employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunity to work on major infrastructure projects
• Significant autonomy and responsibility
• Potential to develop and grow an internal ecology team
• Long-term career progression within a major utilities organisation

The position offers flexibility regarding home working and location. However, the successful candidate must be available to attend sites and project meetings across South Wales, Wales and the South West when required.