Senior Ecologist

Assystem; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Assystem UK is seeking an experienced ecologist to lead major infrastructure projects, shape ecological practice, and mentor a high-performing team within multidisciplinary settings across the UK.

You will manage planning, consenting, construction and operational phases, deliver high-quality reports, oversee surveys, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive growth of ecology services with a client-focused, commercially aware approach.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science with significant consultancy experience.
• Licence to practice in the UK driving, with willingness to travel.
• Strong knowledge of EIA, HRA and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Experience leading teams, budgets and multi-disciplinary delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological surveys and risk assessments on major infrastructure projects.
• Mentor junior staff and align resource planning with project needs.
• Prepare reports and liaise with clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• Support winning bids and contribute to business growth.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

UK wildlife legislation

Driving licence

Education

Degree in Ecology or related

CIEEM membership (or eligible)

Job description

Assystem is a global engineering and digital services company that plays a key role in large infrastructure projects, especially those related to complex, highly regulated industries. In the infrastructure sector, Assystem works across various domains to support the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure.

As global challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development intensify, the role of ecological expertise has never been more critical. Our growing ecology practice is at the forefront of delivering practical solutions that promote environmental resilience, biodiversity conservation, and responsible land use.

We support a wide range of projects—from infrastructure development and renewable energy to habitat restoration and environmental planning—by integrating ecological principles into every phase of design and decision-making. Our team of ecologists work closely with clients, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that development and conservation go hand in hand.

With a strong focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and long‑term ecological health, we are committed to advancing a more sustainable and nature‑positive future.

Job Description

Are you an experienced ecologist ready to lead projects, shape best practice and support the growth of a high‑performing team? At Assystem UK, you will take on a senior, client‑facing role that combines technical delivery with team leadership and commercial awareness across major infrastructure and development schemes in the UK.

The Role

You will be embedded within live project environments, supporting planning, consenting, construction and operational phases. Acting as the ecological focal point within multidisciplinary teams, you will ensure ecological risks are managed pragmatically while maintaining programme and commercial objectives.

Alongside leading complex projects, you will play a key role in strengthening and developing the ecology practice. You will mentor colleagues, support resource planning and contribute to strategic growth, helping to position ecology as a trusted and commercially successful discipline within the wider business.

What You Will Be Doing:

Project Delivery and Technical Leadership

• Lead ecological surveys and assessments, including habitat appraisals, protected species surveys and impact evaluations
• Oversee ecological input into housing, infrastructure, renewables and energy projects
• Prepare and review high‑quality technical reports, including EIAs, HRAs, mitigation strategies and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
• Monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation and licence conditions
• Support and lead protected species mitigation strategies and EPS licence applications
• Investigate ecological incidents and implement proactive risk management measures
• Deliver ecological briefings and provide clear, practical advice to site teams and project managers

Team and Practice Leadership

• Lead, mentor and support ecologists at senior, mid‑level and junior grades
• Align team resourcing with project demands, managing workloads and supporting recruitment where required
• Champion best practice in ecology, health and safety, quality assurance and legislative compliance
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of technical standards and delivery processes

Strategic and Commercial Contribution

• Support work‑winning activities including tenders, fee proposals, client presentations and framework bids
• Monitor project budgets, programme delivery and resource forecasts
• Contribute to practice growth plans aligned with wider business objectives
• Build strong relationships with clients, regulators and collaborators, acting as a trusted senior contact

Qualifications

What You Will Bring

A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline, supported by significant experience in applied ecological consultancy. You will also bring:

• Two European Protected Species licences
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and best practice including EIA, HRA and BNG
• Experience managing teams, budgets and multidisciplinary project delivery
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, with Full Membership to be obtained if not already held
• Excellent commercial awareness, business planning insight and client engagement skills
• Strong report writing, communication and leadership capabilities
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites

Desirable Experience

It is advantageous if you have:

• Extensive Ecological Clerk of Works experience on infrastructure or construction sites
• Experience in Biodiversity Net Gain assessment and UKHab habitat classification
• A strong professional network within the ecology and infrastructure sectors

If you are ready to combine hands‑on technical delivery with leadership, commercial influence and team development, this is your opportunity to make a measurable impact within a growing ecology practice.

Additional Information

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter! Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.