Senior Ecologist - Biodiversity & Net Gain Leader

Stantec; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus schemes

Pension enhancements

Annual leave with buy/sell options

Private medical insurance

Group income protection

Life assurance

Gym membership discounts

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Senior/Principal Ecologist to join its UK Ecology team. You will lead ecological assessments, coordinate surveys, and prepare high-quality reports spanning planning, licensing and environmental assessment processes.

The role includes mentoring junior ecologists and shaping biodiversity enhancement across diverse projects. You’ll contribute to biodiversity net gain strategies, habitat creation and restoration, while engaging with planners, statutory consultees and project

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or related.
• Full CIEEM membership or working towards it.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecology and planning system.
• Experience delivering complex ecological projects through planning or delivery.
• Experience preparing PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters.
• Knowledge of UKHab and reporting requirements.
• Experience with fee proposals and budgets.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Creative and strategic problem-solving in ecology.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Ecology degree

CIEEM membership

UK ecology knowledge

Consultancy experience

EcIA/PEA/HRA experience

Biodiversity Metric knowledge

Fee proposals

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Ecology/Conservation degree

Tools

Biodiversity Metric

Job description

Stantec is seeking a Senior/Principal Ecologist to join its UK Ecology team. You will lead ecological assessments, coordinate surveys, and prepare high-quality reports spanning planning, licensing and environmental assessment processes.

The role includes mentoring junior ecologists and shaping biodiversity enhancement across diverse projects. You’ll contribute to biodiversity net gain strategies, habitat creation and restoration, while engaging with planners, statutory consultees and project