Strategic Ecologist

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking consultancy dedicated to enhancing biodiversity across the railway estate. This role offers the opportunity to lead ecological initiatives, working alongside a talented team of ecologists. You'll manage and deliver high-quality ecological plans, ensuring practical actions meet client standards. With a focus on collaboration and stakeholder engagement, your expertise will drive impactful conservation efforts. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and the chance to shape biodiversity practices in a respected consultancy. If you're passionate about ecology and ready to make a difference, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible Working

Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)

Support from a Respected Consultancy

Qualifications

• 3+ seasons of ecological experience in habitat assessment and protected species.
• Strong technical knowledge in BNG tools and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological input and oversee delivery of biodiversity plans.
• Conduct fieldwork and ecological surveys, ensuring client standards are met.

Skills

Habitat Assessment

Protected Species Surveys

GIS

Report Writing

Project Management

Education

Relevant Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Tools

UKHab Classification

Defra's BNG Metric

Job description

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 which has been used to fund habitat conservation work across nature reserves and other wildlife conservation activities and campaigns.This association ensures that they play a key role in the circular economy of delivering advice that meets the needs of developers,
planners, utility companies, local authorities, government agencies, but also helps conservation by securing re-investment in other habitats that need protection.

Your new role

You'll be joining a programme that's driving real change on a landscape scale, using data, habitat knowledge and practical action to boost biodiversity across the rail estate.
You'll be working with an experienced team of Strategic and Operational Ecologists.
You'll act as the ecological lead for an area of the eastern region.
You'll be working closely with stakeholders, internal teams and other ecologists to deliver high-quality plans and practical habitat interventions.

• Lead ecological input across your route including biodiversity baselines, Biodiversity Action Plans and Habitat Management Plans.
• Oversee delivery of these plans, ensuring actions are practical, achievable and meet client standards.
• Use data effectively to work with existing and newly collected ecological data using tools like GIS and Defra's BNG Metric.
• Conduct and lead fieldwork, ecological surveys, and protected species assessments.
• Support and guide operational ecologists to deliver consistent outputs across the region.
• Monitor biodiversity outcomes, track progress and update plans where needed.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple routes to ensure joined-up delivery.
• Act as the key ecological point of contact for your route, liaising directly with the client and other stakeholders.

What you'll need to succeed

• Extensive ecological experience - ideally 3+ seasons working in habitat assessment, protected species surveys and mitigation.
• Strong technical knowledge - confident using UKHab classification, BNG tools and GIS.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills - able to present complex ecological information clearly.
• Good project skills - can manage deadlines, organise fieldwork, and contribute to wider programme goals.
• A proactive and flexible approach - someone who's self-motivated, team-minded and solutions focused.
• A relevant degree and ideally protected species licences (e.g. bats, GCN).

What you'll get in return

• Day rate of between £250 - £350 depending on experience
• You'll help shape how biodiversity is delivered across the railway estate.
• You'll benefit from flexible working, TOIL, and the support of a respected consultancy.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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