Senior Ecologist

Shirley Parsons; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Shirley Parsons is partnering with a leading infrastructure and environmental business expanding its ecology team in the UK. They seek a Senior Ecologist to deliver ecological solutions and influence major infrastructure projects, driving biodiversity improvements across the country.

You will lead ecology input from planning through delivery, champion Biodiversity Net Gain, mentor junior ecologists, shape new service offerings, and provide expert guidance to clients, regulators and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven consultant delivering ecological surveys, assessments and mitigation strategies on infrastructure or development projects.
• Solid knowledge of UK ecology, protected species, habitats and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Ability to mentor junior ecologists and support growth of the ecology team.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecology on high-impact infrastructure projects from planning to delivery.
• Champion Biodiversity Net Gain and nature-based solutions.
• Provide expert guidance to project teams, regulators and clients.
• Support new services and ways of working within the ecology function.
• Mentor junior ecologists and help grow the team.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Biodiversity Net Gain

Leadership/mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial awareness

Project management

Job description

We're excited to be partnering with a leading infrastructure and environmental business that is continuing to invest heavily in the growth of its environmental team. As they expand their ecology function, they're looking for a Senior Ecologist to play a key role in delivering innovative ecological solutions, driving biodiversity improvements and influencing major infrastructure projects across the UK.

This is an opportunity to join a business where ecology is a valued and growing part of the wider environmental team. You'll work across exciting projects within the transport, water, energy and telecoms sectors, helping clients navigate complex ecological challenges while delivering meaningful outcomes for nature recovery and Biodiversity Net Gain. Whether you're leading assessments, mentoring colleagues or helping shape new service offerings, you'll have real influence and visibility from day one.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Leading Ecology on High-Impact Infrastructure Projects: Take ownership of ecological input across major projects, helping shape environmentally responsible solutions from planning through to delivery.
• Championing Biodiversity & Nature Recovery: Drive Biodiversity Net Gain, ecological enhancements and nature-based solutions that create lasting positive outcomes for habitats and wildlife.
• Becoming a Trusted Ecological Advisor: Work closely with project teams, clients, regulators and stakeholders, providing expert guidance on complex ecological challenges and opportunities.
• Influencing the Growth of a Progressive Ecology Team: Support the development of new services, improve ways of working and play a key role in the future growth of the ecology function.
• Developing Future Ecology Talent: Mentor and support junior ecologists, sharing your expertise and helping build a high-performing ecology team.

Who They're Looking For:

• An Experienced Ecology Professional: A proven consultant with experience delivering ecological surveys, assessments and mitigation strategies across infrastructure or development projects.
• A Biodiversity & Environmental Expert: Solid technical knowledge of UK ecology, protected species, habitat assessment, Biodiversity Net Gain and environmental legislation.
• A Natural Leader & Mentor: Someone who enjoys supporting others, sharing knowledge and helping teams succeed while maintaining high technical standards.
• A Commercially Aware Problem Solver: Able to balance ecological requirements with project objectives, delivering practical solutions that create value for clients and projects alike.
• An Ambitious Ecologist Ready for More Influence: Looking for an opportunity to take ownership, shape service development and play a meaningful role within a rapidly growing environmental consultancy team.