Strategic Ecologist

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Strategic Ecologist to enhance biodiversity across the rail estate. This role involves leading ecological initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing habitat interventions. You will utilize your extensive ecological experience and technical skills to drive impactful changes while working with a dedicated team. Enjoy a competitive day rate and the chance to influence biodiversity efforts in a respected consultancy environment. If you're proactive and solutions-focused, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible working

TOIL

Support from a respected consultancy

Qualifications

• 3+ seasons in ecological experience, habitat assessment, and protected species surveys.
• Strong technical knowledge in UKHab classification and BNG tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological input for biodiversity plans and habitat management.
• Conduct ecological surveys and monitor biodiversity outcomes.

Skills

Ecological experience

Habitat assessment

Protected species surveys

Project management

Report writing

GIS tools

Education

Relevant degree

Tools

GIS

Defra's BNG Metric

Job description

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Strategic Ecologist, London (City of London)

Client: Hays

Location: London (City of London), United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 05.05.2025

Expiry Date: 19.06.2025

Job Description:

Your new company

A specialist ecology, land management, and arboricultural consultancy based in the East Midlands. A wholly owned subsidiary of a Trust, all profits are gift-aided to the Trust to support nature conservation. Over the last 30 years, they have gift-aided over £1m, funding habitat conservation work across nature reserves and wildlife activities. This association ensures they play a key role in the circular economy by delivering advice that meets the needs of developers, planners, utility companies, local authorities, and government agencies, while also supporting conservation efforts through re-investment in habitats that need protection.

Your new role

You will join a national program driving landscape-scale change, using data, habitat knowledge, and practical actions to enhance biodiversity across the rail estate. You will work with an experienced team of ecologists, acting as the ecological lead for an area of the eastern region. Your role involves collaborating with stakeholders, internal teams, and ecologists to develop and implement high-quality plans and habitat interventions.

• Lead ecological input for your route, including biodiversity baselines, Biodiversity Action Plans, and Habitat Management Plans.
• Oversee the delivery of these plans, ensuring actions are practical, achievable, and meet client standards.
• Utilize data effectively with tools like GIS and Defra's BNG Metric.
• Conduct and lead fieldwork, ecological surveys, and protected species assessments.
• Support operational ecologists to deliver consistent outputs across the region.
• Monitor biodiversity outcomes, track progress, and update plans as needed.
• Collaborate with colleagues across routes for coordinated delivery.
• Serve as the key ecological contact for your route, liaising with clients and stakeholders.

What you'll need to succeed

• Extensive ecological experience, ideally 3+ seasons in habitat assessment, protected species surveys, and mitigation.
• Strong technical knowledge, confident in using UKHab classification, BNG tools, and GIS.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills to present complex ecological information clearly.
• Good project management skills, capable of managing deadlines and organizing fieldwork.
• A proactive, flexible, and solutions-focused approach, self-motivated and team-oriented.
• A relevant degree and protected species licenses (e.g., bats, GCN) preferred.

What you'll get in return

• Day rate between £250 - £350 depending on experience.
• Opportunity to influence biodiversity delivery across the railway estate.
• Benefits include flexible working, TOIL, and support from a respected consultancy.

What you need to do now

To apply, click 'apply now' with your updated CV or contact us directly. If this role isn't suitable, please reach out for a confidential career discussion.

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