Senior Ecologist

Sweco UK; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Ipswich seeks a Senior Ecologist to manage ecological projects, conduct site surveys, and produce technical reports. The role offers flexible working options and supports work-life balance. Candidates should have a degree in Ecology or related fields, with substantial experience in project management and ecological appraisals.

Benefits

Flexible start and finish times

Part-time and hybrid working options

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience managing small ecology projects from inception through to construction.
• Thorough understanding of UK survey methodology.
• Experience conducting preliminary ecological appraisals, protected species surveys, and habitat surveys.
• Report writing experience including ecological impact assessments.
• Current driving licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage small projects and liaise with project managers and clients.
• Conduct desk studies and site-based preliminary ecological appraisals.
• Analyze, evaluate, and present ecological data.
• Write technical reports, including ecological impact assessments.
• Perform as an Ecological Clerk of Works on construction projects.

Skills

Project management

Ecological surveys

Technical report writing

Data analysis and presentation

Flexibility and adaptability

Education

Degree in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences

Job description

Overview

As a Senior Ecologist you will have the opportunity to conduct site surveys and office work, lead projects, and deliver technical writing. In return you’ll work on key projects and receive the support and development needed to gain licences to work with different protected species. We understand work–life balance is important and will provide time back in lieu for additional hours spent surveying during the season.

Responsibilities

• Managing small projects, liaising with project managers and clients on delivering ecological requirements within multi‑disciplinary tenders and projects.
• Undertaking desk studies and site‑based preliminary ecological appraisals, including detailed habitat surveys to accurately describe and map habitats and assess their potential to support notable/protected species.
• Conducting analysis, evaluation, interpretation and presentation of ecological data.
• Writing technical reports, including preliminary ecological appraisal reports, ecological impact assessments and protected species licence applications.
• Performing the role of an Ecological Clerk of Works on construction projects.

Qualifications

• Experience managing small ecology projects from inception through to construction.
• Thorough understanding of UK survey methodology following relevant legislation, guidelines and best practice.
• Experience conducting preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA), protected species surveys and/or habitat surveys.
• Report writing experience including PEA reports, ecological impact assessments and protected species licences.
• Degree in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences or a related discipline.
• CIEEM membership (desirable).
• Protected species survey licence (desirable).
• ECoW experience.
• Current and full driving licence and willingness to travel to site.
• Adaptable and flexible approach to work, as ecology roles typically involve occasional longer and/or unsociable hours and a degree of working away from home.
• Option for flexible working: minimum of 3 days per week in the office/on‑site, with adjustable start and finish times.

About Us

Transforming society together, we’re planning and designing sustainable communities and cities of the future. At Sweco, we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable.

We offer flexible start and finish times, part‑time and hybrid working options so you can flex your hours around your day‑to‑day needs.

If you believe you have the skill set required and are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, we’d love to hear from you.