Senior Ecologist – Biodiversity & Infrastructure Strategy

United Utilities; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Hybrid and flexible working

Private healthcare

Wellbeing support

Professional development

Job summary

United Utilities in the United Kingdom seeks a Lead Ecologist to steer ecological strategy across major infrastructure projects. You will lead a team of ecologists and coordinate external consultants to ensure ecological considerations are embedded from project development through construction.

The role requires 10+ years of experience, MCIEEM membership or equivalent, and a track record securing environmental consents, with a strong focus on Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat assessment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience leading ecological work on major infrastructure or large-scale development programmes.
• Detailed knowledge of ecological legislation, planning policy, EIA, HRA and protected species requirements.
• Experience delivering Biodiversity Net Gain strategies and nature recovery initiatives.
• Proven success in securing environmental consents and regulatory approvals.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological strategy across the Capital Delivery programme.
• Manage a team of ecologists and external consultants to embed ecological considerations across project development, design and construction.
• Deliver ecology outputs to high standards and ensure regulatory approvals are secured.
• Develop relationships with regulators, planning authorities and conservation organisations.
• Oversee ecological surveys, EIAs, HRAs, BNG assessments, mitigation design and licensing work.

Skills

Leadership of ecology teams

Stakeholder engagement

Budget and resource management

Regulatory approvals

Environmental policy knowledge

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Tools

EcIA & HRA expertise

UKHab methodology

Job description

United Utilities in the United Kingdom seeks a Lead Ecologist to steer ecological strategy across major infrastructure projects. You will lead a team of ecologists and coordinate external consultants to ensure ecological considerations are embedded from project development through construction.

The role requires 10+ years of experience, MCIEEM membership or equivalent, and a track record securing environmental consents, with a strong focus on Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat assessment.