Strategic Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in ecological consultancy is seeking a proactive Ecologist to join their team. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on biodiversity across the railway estate. You will lead ecological assessments, oversee the delivery of habitat management plans, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure effective conservation strategies. With a flexible working environment and a competitive day rate, this position is ideal for someone passionate about ecological conservation and looking to contribute to meaningful projects. Join a respected consultancy and help shape the future of biodiversity management.

Benefits

Flexible Working

Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)

Support from a Respected Consultancy

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Habitat Assessment

Protected Species Surveys

UKHab Classification

GIS

Report Writing

Project Management

Education

Relevant Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Tools

Defra’s BNG Metric

GIS Software

Job description

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Your newpany 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 national 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, organize 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 (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.