Senior Ecologist — Biodiversity & Nature-Based Solutions

Stantec; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive salary

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Senior / Principal Ecologist to lead ecological services across a diverse UK project portfolio, providing trusted ecological advice to clients and project teams to shape sustainable proposals and maximise biodiversity enhancements.

The role involves managing surveys, producing technical reports, supporting planning and licensing, and mentoring junior ecologists. A degree in ecology and CIEEM membership are preferred, with strong UK ecology knowledge.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related environmental discipline.
• Full member of CIEEM, or working towards full membership.
• Strong understanding of UK ecology, environmental legislation and the planning system.
• Proven consultancy experience delivering complex ecological projects through planning and/or delivery stages.
• Experience preparing and reviewing ecological assessments, including PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements.
• Knowledge of UKHab classification, the Defra Biodiversity Metric and associated reporting requirements.
• Experience preparing fee proposals and managing project budgets.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically to solve ecological challenges.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and oversee ecological assessments and mitigation strategies for a wide range of development and infrastructure projects.
• Provide expert, evidence-based ecological advice to clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Manage and coordinate ecological field surveys through our network of ecologists.
• Lead the preparation and review of technical reports, including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements.
• Support the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain strategies, habitat creation and restoration projects.
• Engage with planning authorities, statutory consultees and other stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Assist with protected species licensing and ecological mitigation programmes.
• Prepare fee proposals, manage project budgets and contribute to the successful delivery of projects.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists, helping to develop technical excellence across the team.
• Contribute to innovative approaches around nature-based solutions, natural capital and ecosystem services.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Creative thinking

Strategic thinking

Project leadership

Education

Degree in Ecology

Job description

Stantec is seeking a Senior / Principal Ecologist to lead ecological services across a diverse UK project portfolio, providing trusted ecological advice to clients and project teams to shape sustainable proposals and maximise biodiversity enhancements.

The role involves managing surveys, producing technical reports, supporting planning and licensing, and mentoring junior ecologists. A degree in ecology and CIEEM membership are preferred, with strong UK ecology knowledge.