Senior Ecologist

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Site Ecologist to lead ecological delivery on a major infrastructure project in the North of England. Responsibilities include managing ecological risks on-site and collaborating with contractors and regulators. Candidates should have ecology experience, relevant licenses, and a degree. The role offers competitive salary, company car, and benefits like private healthcare and generous leave.

Benefits

Competitive basic salary

Company car

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Paid professional memberships

Generous employer pension scheme

Ongoing Training & Development

Family-Friendly Policies

Share incentive plan

Volunteering leave

Qualifications

• Previous ecology experience, ideally with construction projects.
• Strong communicator who can influence contractors.
• Good understanding of ecological legislation.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of ecological deliverables across the site.
• Lead on implementing mitigation strategies.
• Monitor compliance with environmental legislation.

Skills

Ecology

Communication

Environmental Management

Influencing Contractors

Protected Species Licensing

Education

Degree in ecology or related subject

Job description

Job Description

Are you ready to take the lead on ecological delivery at construction stage, where your decisions shape real outcomes?

We’re looking for a confident and pragmatic Senior Site Ecologist to join a major infrastructure programme in the North of England. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a visible, site-based role with influence across a headline highways scheme and nearby projects.

You’ll be part of a respected internal environment team working alongside consultants and contractors to deliver robust ecological outcomes while supporting efficient project delivery.

About the Project

You’ll primarily support a major link roads scheme located between Manchester and Sheffield, with occasional input (c.10%) to other local projects within 1–2 hours’ travel.

The project is entering construction phase, and the role will be site-focused (60%), with additional time spent on coordination and reporting (40%). You’ll be embedded in daily site operations while ensuring all ecological risks and constraints are fully managed and understood.

Key ecological considerations include badger mitigation, bat surveys and other protected species work, supported by external ECoW consultants.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Take ownership of ecological deliverables across the construction site
• Lead on implementing mitigation strategies in line with licensing requirements
• Work closely with contractors, consultants, regulators and internal teams
• Attend site meetings, provide advice and influence daily decision-making
• Monitor compliance with environmental legislation and address any ecological risks
• Support protected species survey programmes and ensure pragmatic site integration

What We’re Looking For

• Previous ecology experience, ideally including site-based delivery on infrastructure or construction projects
• A strong communicator with the confidence to influence contractors and stand your ground when needed
• Protected species licences—badger experience highly desirable, with additional species (e.g. bats, GCN) also highly beneficial
• Degree in ecology or a related subject ; equivalent experience will also be considered
• Good understanding of ecological legislation and site-based environmental management
• Full UK driving licence

What’s on Offer

• Competitive basic salary
• Company car
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private healthcare (for you and partner)
• Paid professional memberships (e.g. CIEEM)
• Generous employer pension scheme
• Permanent, full-time role
• Ongoing Training & Development opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies (including enhanced parental leave)
• Share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…
• Strong progression potential into other regional infrastructure projects post-completion

Why Join?

• Lead ecological delivery on a nationally significant infrastructure project with high visibility and impact
• Make real-time, on-site decisions with the support of a collaborative and experienced environment team
• Play a key role in embedding ecology within day-to-day construction activities
• Enjoy long-term development opportunities across a growing portfolio of complex infrastructure projects

Apply now through Sustainable Futures Group (SFG) – Global Recruitment Experts in Sustainability, ESG & HSE.