Senior / Principal Ecologist

Are you passionate about biodiversity, nature-based solutions and sustainable development? Are you looking for opportunities to work on interesting projects? Do you want to take your career to the next level in ecological consultancy?

We seek experienced and enthusiastic Senior / Principal Ecologists to join our growing, award-winning Ecology team, delivering positive biodiversity outcomes and Biodiversity Net Gain for various interesting projects across the UK. Ideal locations are Reading or Bristol, with opportunities for the right candidates in Warrington and Edinburgh. We can, however, be flexible in one of Stantec's other offices across the UK for the right candidate.

Our projects range in scale across strategic and regeneration residential schemes, energy and resources projects, transport and nationally significant infrastructure projects. These roles present a fantastic opportunity to progress your career in ecological consultancy, working at the heart of our multidisciplinary project teams. You will provide valued ecological consultancy advice to our clients, helping to shape outcomes and maximise biodiversity opportunities on development projects. You'll also consult with external stakeholders, work within the licensing processes and play a key part in large-scale habitat restoration projects. You'll also influence the conservation and enhancement of habitats and species through preparing well-thought-out management plans.

The role is to deliver and overseeecologicalmitigation and benefits for various developments, undertake skilled technical reporting, and provide trusted, evidence-based ecological advice to colleagues and clients. Additionally, you'll manage the delivery of ecological fieldwork surveys by our network of ecologists.

We're a collaborative, supportive, forward-thinking team that values integrity, curiosity, and shared success. You'll be part of a culture that empowers you to grow, contribute meaningfully, and shape your role to align with your strengths and interests.

About You

• Relevant degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related environmental discipline
• Full membership of CIEEM or working towards full membership
• Strong working knowledge of UK ecology, legislation and the UK planning system
• Proven experience within a professional ecological consultancy, with a track record of working on complex ecological projects through planning or delivery
• Ability to think creatively and strategically in solving ecological challenges
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in compiling fee proposals and managing project budgets
• Familiarity of UKHab classification and the BNG Defra Metric and associated reporting requirements
• Demonstrable skills and experienceinassessments, including PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements

Desirable:

• Broad understanding of terrestrial ecological issues
• Working towards Chartership (CEnv or CEcol)
• Experience in developing off-site BNG solutions and sourcing Biodiversity Units
• Understanding of natural capital and ecosystem services
• One or more protected species licences
• Experience in protected species licences