Senior Ecologist

Matchtech; England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join its expanding environmental consultancy team supporting major infrastructure projects across transport, water, energy and telecom sectors.

The role entails delivering desk- and site-based ecological services, leading Habitats Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain work, and mentoring junior staff. A Chartered CIEEM member with UK licences and project management skills is preferred.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering desk- and site-based ecological consultancy services within infrastructure or related sectors.
• Strong knowledge of ecological principles, UK environmental legislation and planning guidance.
• Proficiency in habitat and protected species surveys and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Experience leading Habitats Regulations Assessments, SSSI assent applications and licensable activities.
• Understanding of ecological licences issued by Natural England/NatureScot/NRW.

Responsibilities

• Deliver desk- and site-based ecological consultancy services, including ecological appraisals, habitat surveys and protected species surveys.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers and delivery teams to manage ecological requirements across projects.
• Prepare and review Technical Notes, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments and risk assessments.
• Lead Habitats Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, and assist with licences.
• Provide licensable ecological support and develop mitigation and biodiversity net gain strategies.
• Produce fee proposals, allocate resources, and coordinate internal and external specialists.
• Engage with regulators, planning authorities and clients to address constraints and identify opportunities.
• Support growth of the ecological consultancy function through service development and mentoring.

Skills

Habitat surveys

Protected species surveys

GIS

Data handling

Report writing

Project management

Mentoring

Desk research

Education

CIEEM membership (chartered status desirable)

Tools

GIS

Job description

Our client is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join its expanding environmental consultancy team supporting major infrastructure projects across the transport, water, energy and telecommunications sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering desk- and site-based ecological consultancy services, including ecological appraisals, habitat surveys and protected species surveys.
• Working collaboratively with engineers, project managers and delivery teams to manage ecological requirements across infrastructure projects.
• Preparing and reviewing technical notes, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, risk assessments, method statements and other project deliverables.
• Leading Habitats Regulations Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, SSSI assent applications and ecological licence applications.
• Providing licensable ecological support and developing effective mitigation, enhancement and biodiversity net gain strategies.
• Producing fee proposals, allocating resources, managing budgets and programmes, and coordinating internal and external specialists.
• Engaging with statutory regulators, planning authorities, consultees, clients and other stakeholders to address environmental constraints and identify opportunities.
• Supporting the growth of the ecological consultancy function through service development, process improvement, technical training, mentoring and internal and external engagement.

Job Requirements:

• Significant experience delivering desk- and site-based ecological consultancy services within infrastructure, construction or a related environmental sector.
• Strong knowledge of ecological principles, UK environmental legislation, planning policy, guidance and health and safety requirements.
• Proficiency in habitat and protected species surveys, UK Habitat Classification and Biodiversity Net Gain condition assessments.
• Experience leading Habitats Regulations Assessments, SSSI assent applications and licensable ecological support activities.
• Understanding of ecological licences issued by Natural England, NatureScot and/or Natural Resources Wales, with relevant general, class, mitigation or individual licences desirable.
• Experience mentoring, training or managing ecologists and technical colleagues, with the ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities.
• Strong skills in desk research, data handling, technical review, report writing and project management, including proficiency in GIS and other digital tools.
• Professional membership of CIEEM or an equivalent organisation is required, with chartered status desirable.
• A valid UK driving licence and willingness to undertake regular site-based work and travel are also required.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Senior Ecologist to contribute to nationally significant infrastructure projects, influence sustainable delivery and help develop a growing environmental consultancy function.