Senior Ecologist

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Leeds is looking for a Senior Ecologist to lead ecological surveys and produce high-quality ecological reports. The candidate should have a degree in Ecology, significant experience in consultancy, and strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation. This position offers a competitive salary of £40,000 - £45,000 per annum and benefits including a supportive work culture, pension matching, and flexible working options.

Benefits

25 days' holiday (rising to 28)

5% pension match

Healthcare cash plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in consultancy ecology.
• Experience with protected species licences preferred.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological surveys and assessments.
• Produce ecological reports and guidance.
• Oversee ecological compliance during construction.

Skills

Ecological surveys

Ecological legislation understanding

Strong communication

GIS capability

Education

Degree in Ecology or related

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Job description

Bennett & Game are proud to be representing an award-winning multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy, previously recognised as one of the UK's Top 100 Companies to Work For. With offices across the country, including a strong presence in Leeds, they deliver innovative and sustainable solutions across infrastructure, development, and environmental sectors. Due to sustained growth within their environmental division, they are now seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their Leeds office and take a leading role across a diverse portfolio of ecology projects within a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.

Senior Ecologist Job Overview

• Lead and deliver ecological surveys including Phase 1 habitat assessments, protected species surveys, and complex site evaluations
• Produce high-quality ecological reports such as Ecological Impact Assessments, mitigation strategies, biodiversity net gain assessments, and technical guidance for planning
• Provide senior-level ecological input into multidisciplinary design teams, working closely with arboriculturists, landscape architects, planners, and engineers
• Develop mitigation and compensation strategies for protected species and habitats, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice
• Oversee ecological elements during construction phases, including contractor briefings, monitoring, and compliance checks
• Support business development activities, contributing to proposals, tender submissions, and client engagement
• Mentor and review the work of junior ecologists, supporting their technical development and field training

Senior Ecologist Job Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline
• Significant experience working as an ecologist within consultancy, with a strong track record delivering survey programmes and technical reports
• Excellent understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning frameworks, ecological mitigation, and biodiversity net gain principles
• Experience holding or progressing towards protected species licences (e.g. bats, GCN) is advantageous
• Strong GIS capability, ideally with QGIS or ArcGIS
• Confident communicator with proven experience liaising with clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary teams
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to site locations across the region

Senior Ecologist Salary & Benefits

• Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Inclusive Culture - Supportive, collaborative workplace that values diversity and professional growth
• Competitive Rewards - 5% pension match, life assurance, and long-service recognition
• Time Off & Flexibility - 25 days' holiday (rising to 28), option to buy additional days, hybrid working, and flexible core hours
• Health & Wellbeing - Westfield Health cover, healthcare cash plan, Cycle to Work scheme, and dedicated wellbeing initiatives
• Community & Connection - Volunteering days, regular social events, discounts, and savings programmes