Senior Ecologist — Biodiversity & Net Gain Leader

Stantec; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid / Flexible working

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional subscriptions & training

Job summary

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

You will manage ecological inputs throughout project lifecycles, oversee surveys, produce high-quality technical reports, and support planning, licensing and environmental assessment processes while contributing to habitat restoration and Biodiversity

Qualifications

• Degree 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 law and planning processes.
• Proven consultancy experience delivering complex ecological projects through planning and/or delivery stages.
• Experience preparing and reviewing ecological assessments (PEA, EcIA, HRA, Biodiversity chapters).

Responsibilities

• Deliver and oversee ecological assessments and mitigation strategies for diverse projects.
• Provide expert ecological advice to clients and project teams.
• Coordinate ecological field surveys and manage a network of ecologists.
• Lead preparation and review of technical reports (PEA, EcIA, HRA, Biodiversity statements).
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain implementations and habitat restoration.
• Engage with planning authorities and stakeholders during delivery.
• Assist with protected species licensing and mitigation programmes.
• Prepare fee proposals and manage project budgets.
• Mentor junior ecologists and foster technical excellence.
• Contribute to nature-based solutions and natural capital initiatives.

Skills

Ecology

CIEEM membership

UK ecology knowledge

Consultancy experience

Planning & licensing

Environmental Statements

Education

Degree in Ecology/Conservation/Earth Sciences

Job description

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

You will manage ecological inputs throughout project lifecycles, oversee surveys, produce high-quality technical reports, and support planning, licensing and environmental assessment processes while contributing to habitat restoration and Biodiversity