Senior Ecologist: Biodiversity & Nature-Based Solutions Lead

Stantec; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid / Flexible working

Bonus schemes

Private medical insurance

Group income protection

Life assurance

Gym membership discount

Job summary

Stantec in the UK is seeking a Senior / Principal Ecologist to deliver ecological services across a diverse project portfolio. You will provide trusted ecological advice to clients and project teams, helping shape sustainable development proposals and maximize biodiversity enhancement.

You'll manage ecological inputs, oversee surveys, produce high-quality reports, support planning/licensing, contribute to habitat restoration and ecological management plans, and mentor junior ecologists while

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in ecology/conservation or related field.
• Full CIEEM membership or working toward membership.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecology, legislation and planning.
• Consultancy experience delivering ecological projects through planning and delivery.
• Experience preparing PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements.
• Knowledge of UKHab and Defra Biodiversity Metric.
• Experience preparing fee proposals and managing budgets.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Creative and strategic thinking to solve ecological challenges.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and oversee ecological assessments and mitigation for development and infrastructure projects.
• Provide expert ecological advice to clients and project teams.
• Coordinate ecological field surveys across our network.
• Lead preparation and review of technical reports (PEAs, EcIA, HRAs, Biodiversity chapters).
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain strategies and habitat restoration initiatives.
• Engage with planning authorities and stakeholders.
• Assist with protected species licensing and mitigation programmes.
• Prepare fee proposals and manage project budgets.
• Mentor junior ecologists and develop technical excellence.
• Contribute to nature-based solutions and ecosystem services approaches.

Skills

UK ecology knowledge

Env. legislation & planning

Ecology consultancy experience

Ecological assessments (PEA, EcIA, HRA

Communication & stakeholder mgmt

Education

Degree in Ecology or related environmental discipline

CIEEM member or working towards

Job description

Stantec in the UK is seeking a Senior / Principal Ecologist to deliver ecological services across a diverse project portfolio. You will provide trusted ecological advice to clients and project teams, helping shape sustainable development proposals and maximize biodiversity enhancement.

You'll manage ecological inputs, oversee surveys, produce high-quality reports, support planning/licensing, contribute to habitat restoration and ecological management plans, and mentor junior ecologists while