Senior Ecologist - Terrestrial Species Specialist

RSK Group Limited; Bradford-on-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Senior Ecologist to enhance sustainability across various sectors. The role involves collaborating with specialists, managing survey teams, and utilizing GIS tools. Ideal candidates should have an ecological degree and experience with species assessments and survey techniques. Join a multidisciplinary team committed to innovation and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Full member of CIEEM or equivalent required.
• At least two species or species group specialisms with licenses.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert advice and mentoring junior staff.
• Designing survey protocols and leading survey teams.
• Authoring technical reports and ecological appraisals.

Skills

Communication

Survey Design

Ecological Innovations

Education

Ecological/Environmental Degree

Tools

GIS

Analysis Software

Job description

Contract Type: Full Time Permanent

The Vacancy

Binnies are recruiting for a Senior Ecologist to support our southern/midlands area, working alongside our Terrestrial Species Survey Lead. Our Ecologists contribute to various projects, aiming to enhance sustainability across sectors such as flood management, coastal and maritime, local authorities, water utilities, transport, and renewable energy.

You will be an integral part of our national Environmental team, collaborating with ecologists, landscape architects, and specialists to improve survey and assessment quality for projects like reservoir development, river restoration, catchment management, SSSI assessments, and coastal management. We leverage GIS and Digital Ecology tools to optimize data collection and analysis, and seek someone interested in advancing these technologies.

The role requires expertise in one or more species groups, with the necessary statutory licenses and experience for survey work and assessments.

We focus on supporting our expanding project workload in the South, South East, and East of England, with frequent site visits. Candidates can work from our local offices (Redhill, Bradford on Avon/Bristol, Birmingham) or remotely across the region.

Binnies is a registered Ecological (CIEEM) and Landscape Practice (Landscape Institute), holding the IEMA EIA Quality Mark, reflecting our high standards in EIA delivery.

About the Role

Responsibilities include:

1. Providing expert advice on your specialisms to the ecology management team and mentoring junior staff.
2. Advising clients and project teams on survey requirements.
3. Designing survey protocols and site-specific plans, including risk assessments.
4. Leading survey teams, managing and analyzing data.
5. Authoring technical reports and sections related to your species groups.
6. Preparing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and contributing to Ecological Impact and Habitats Regulations Assessments.
7. Collaborating with GIS and Digital specialists to maximize technology use.
8. Supporting tenders related to your specialisms.

We are flexible to accommodate your preferences for maintaining your technical discipline outside your species specialisms.

To discuss the role further, contact Owen Peat, Ecology Team Leader, at [e-mail]

Qualifications/Requirements

The ideal candidate is an experienced Ecology professional, full member of CIEEM or equivalent, with:

• An ecological/environmental degree.
• At least two species or species group specialisms with statutory licenses and survey experience.
• Proven skills in survey design and implementation.
• Competence with survey techniques, equipment, and analysis software.
• Experience developing risk assessments aligned with health and safety standards.
• Habitat survey experience, preferably using UKHab.
• Experience writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals for non-complex sites.
• Excellent communication skills.
• An interest in technological and ecological innovations.
• A full UK driving license.
• Knowledge of environmental impact assessments, consenting, protected species licensing, and ecological clerk of works roles.
• Previous consultancy experience.

About Us

Binnies develops innovative solutions through integrated planning and design, creating sustainable infrastructure and lasting environmental and social legacies. With a history spanning over 100 years, we aim to improve quality of life through low carbon, resilient water solutions, flood management, and environmental services.

Part of the RSK Group since 1989, we operate as a multidisciplinary team committed to employee growth, innovation, and inclusivity. We value diversity and believe it makes us stronger and more innovative.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us to build a sustainable future. Do you have what it takes?