Senior Ecologist — Hybrid, Biodiversity Net Gain Lead

Stantec; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Private medical insurance

Pension plan

Annual leave buy/sell

Job summary

Stantec is seeking an experienced Senior/Principal Ecologist in the UK to lead ecological services across a diverse project portfolio. You will provide trusted ecological advice, shape sustainable development proposals and maximise biodiversity enhancement.

You will manage ecological inputs throughout project lifecycles, oversee surveys, produce technical reports and support clients through planning, licensing and environmental assessment processes, delivering meaningful conservation outcomes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or related environmental discipline.
• Full member of CIEEM, or working towards full membership.
• Strong understanding of UK ecology, legislation and planning system.
• Experience delivering complex ecological projects through planning/delivery stages.
• Experience preparing and reviewing PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters.
• Knowledge of UKHab, Defra Biodiversity Metric and reporting requirements.
• Experience preparing fee proposals and managing budgets.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Creative and strategic thinking to solve ecological challenges.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and oversee ecological assessments and mitigation strategies for a wide range of development and infrastructure projects.
• Provide expert ecological advice to clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Coordinate ecological field surveys through our network of ecologists.
• Lead preparation and review of technical reports including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements.
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain strategies, habitat creation and restoration projects.
• Engage with planning authorities and statutory consultees throughout project delivery.
• Assist with protected species licensing and ecological mitigation programmes.
• Prepare fee proposals, manage project budgets and contribute to project delivery.
• Mentor junior ecologists and develop technical excellence.

Skills

UK ecology knowledge

Consultancy experience

EcIA/HRA/PEA experience

UKHab knowledge

Budget & proposals

Stakeholder management

Creative problem solving

Education

Ecology related degree

CIEEM membership

Job description

Stantec is seeking an experienced Senior/Principal Ecologist in the UK to lead ecological services across a diverse project portfolio. You will provide trusted ecological advice, shape sustainable development proposals and maximise biodiversity enhancement.

You will manage ecological inputs throughout project lifecycles, oversee surveys, produce technical reports and support clients through planning, licensing and environmental assessment processes, delivering meaningful conservation outcomes.