Senior Ecologist: Biodiversity & Net Gain Lead

Stantec; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Bonus schemes

Pension plan

Annual leave flexibility

Gym membership discount

Job summary

The Senior/Principal Ecologist position at Stantec offers an opportunity to lead ecological services across diverse UK projects, from development to infrastructure, shaping sustainable proposals and biodiversity enhancement.

You will oversee survey programmes, produce high‑quality reports, and mentor junior ecologists while collaborating with planning authorities and clients to deliver meaningful conservation outcomes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related environmental discipline.
• Full member of CIEEM or working towards membership.
• Strong understanding of UK ecology, environmental legislation and the planning system.
• Consultancy experience delivering complex ecological projects through planning and/or delivery stages.
• Experience preparing and reviewing ecological assessments (PEA, EcIA, HRA, Biodiversity chapters).
• Knowledge of UK Hab classification, Defra Biodiversity Metric and 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.
• Coordinate ecological field surveys through our network of ecologists.
• Lead the preparation and review of technical reports, including PEA, EcIA, 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

Ecology knowledge

Consultancy experience

Environmental legislation

Stakeholder management

Technical reporting

Communication skills

Creative thinking

Education

Ecology degree

CIEEM member

Job description

The Senior/Principal Ecologist position at Stantec offers an opportunity to lead ecological services across diverse UK projects, from development to infrastructure, shaping sustainable proposals and biodiversity enhancement.

You will oversee survey programmes, produce high‑quality reports, and mentor junior ecologists while collaborating with planning authorities and clients to deliver meaningful conservation outcomes.