Senior Ecologist - Terrestrial

Haskoning; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior Ecologist to manage and deliver ecological assessments as part of significant projects. This role requires over 5 years of experience in ecological surveys and assessments, including the preparation of ecological reports and mitigation strategies. The successful candidate will work on a variety of development projects and will receive support for continued learning and development in a collaborative environment. A valid UK driving license is required, and you should be proactive and self-motivated.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Opportunities to attend conferences/events

Employee ownership benefits

Qualifications

• 5+ years of demonstrable experience on development projects.
• Experience conducting baseline surveys and drafting reports.
• Experience in Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver protected species surveys.
• Prepare Ecological Impact Assessments and management plans.
• Provide technical ecological assessment and advice.

Skills

Extensive ecological understanding

Excellent written and verbal communication

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Good interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant degree in environmental/ecological subject

Tools

Natural England protected species survey licences

Job description

Are you looking for the next step in your career? Join our multidisciplinary organisation as a Senior Ecologist and contribute to a wide range of projects, which will allow you to make a real impact.

What you do as a Senior Ecologist

As our new Senior Ecologist, you will work on cutting‑edge projects concerning terrestrial ecology. You will lead and deliver protected species surveys and assist in all survey work from the project inception and proposal stages to the completion of ecology reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and survey reports. You will provide advice on mitigation measures using best practices. You will give ecological assessment and advice as a technical expert through all stages of the project lifecycle, including preparing Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species and Habitat Mitigation Strategies, Ecological Management Plans, Protected Species License applications, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments and Method Statements.

“At Royal HaskoningDHV, I work alongside technical experts who truly value each discipline, contribute to fascinating projects, and collaborate with colleagues internationally. That makes my work dynamic and incredibly rewarding.” – Tom Clemence, Principal Ecologist and Team Leader. Read more about his experience in his story.

Where you will work

We are an independent, employee‑owned consulting engineering company. We come to work to solve our clients' most pressing issues and positively impact our world through challenging and exciting projects.

As our new Senior Ecologist, you will become part of our Environment, Resilience and Renewable Advisory Group. We have been providing environmental solutions for our clients in the UK for over 30 years, from high‑profile infrastructure projects such as Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farms and Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station to carbon management, climate resilience, locally driven habitat enhancement and broader biodiversity net gain projects.

We specialise in delivering high‑quality terrestrial ecological services across various projects, from Significant Infrastructure National Projects through landscape‑scale habitat restoration schemes to smaller planning applications. We have successfully supported clients in delivering sustainable projects in sectors including energy, industry, residential and coastal redevelopment. Our work involves ecological surveys, assessment, compliance and advice, licensing, biodiversity net gain, ecological clerk of works, and habitat restoration design for exciting and meaningful projects. We combine market‑leading technical excellence across a range of environmental disciplines with a clear understanding of clients’ ambitions, needs and pressures.

What you bring

You will have an extensive ecological understanding and over 5 years of demonstrable experience working on a range of development projects, including undertaking baseline surveys and drafting reports with a relevant degree in an environmental/ecological or similar subject (equivalent non‑degree qualification will be considered). You are a dependable, proactive and self‑motivated colleague. You are flexible, adaptive, innovative and willing to develop your career. You have extensive experience in the delivery of Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species and Habitat Mitigation Strategies, Ecological Management Plans, Protected Species License applications, and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments.

Furthermore you also have:

• Natural England protected species survey licences, in particular for bats. Experience as the named ecologist on mitigation licences would be advantageous.
• Full CIEEM member.
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) experience and/or liaising with contractors.
• A willingness to travel occasionally and a valid UK driving licence will be required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organisational, analytical and time‑management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

What we offer you

We offer you a stimulating environment where we put people first and where you are empowered to craft your career path. In parallel with project delivery, our UK Terrestrial Ecology Practice emphasises continued learning and development. As an employee‑owned business, we invest in our staff through training, opportunities to attend conferences/events, opportunities to become involved in company initiatives (e.g. innovation initiatives) and in‑person Terrestrial Ecology Practice team‑building sessions.

Royal HaskoningDHV is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We have the clear goal of driving diversity and inclusion across all dimensions. Together, we are embarking on a journey where everyone, individually and collectively, welcomes and celebrates individual differences. We recognise that embracing diversity unlocks innovation and creativity and fosters collaboration. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our communities and the customers we serve.

You can read more about our benefits here.

About Haskoning:

At Haskoning, you will join an independent, employee‑owned international consultancy that combines engineering, design, and consultancy services with software and technology. Our mission, "Enhancing Society Together," drives us to create a positive impact on the world.

We offer purpose‑driven and challenging work in diverse international projects, leveraging our 140+ years of expertise. With over 6,800 employees in more than 25 countries, we work together to turn challenges into opportunities and make a real impact on society.

At Haskoning, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our mission of "Enhancing Society Together" drives us to create an environment that embraces everyone’s unique background, identity, and perspective. Regardless of your experience, background, age, gender, or other personal characteristics—you are welcome here. We believe that diversity makes us stronger and that an inclusive culture gives everyone the opportunity to grow and contribute. Read more about our ED&I initiatives on our dedicated webpage.