Senior/Principal Marine Ecologist

Senior or Principal Marine Ecologist

Contract Bristol / Hybrid Marine & Defence

I'm currently recruiting for an exciting Senior or Principal Marine Ecologist contract opportunity with a leading organisation supporting complex environmental projects across the defence and marine sectors.

This is a specialist role for an experienced marine ecologist with strong Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) experience, who can provide senior technical input across coastal and marine trials, operations and infrastructure.

The Role

You'll lead and deliver high-profile environmental assessments, providing specialist advice across complex consenting, environmental risk and regulatory compliance challenges.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and quality assuring HRAs, including screening, Appropriate Assessments and tests of likely significance
• Providing technical input into marine ecology assessments, Sustainability Appraisals and Marine Licences
• Designing and overseeing marine surveys covering intertidal, subtidal, benthic, fish and marine mammal environments
• Interpreting complex ecological datasets and producing robust technical conclusions
• Providing specialist ecological advice around defence trials, in-water works, vessel operations and marine noise/sonar impacts
• Advising on environmental constraints associated with SPAs, SACs, MCZs and SSSIs
• Supporting Environmental Management Plans, operational environmental risk and protected species compliance
• Building relationships with clients, regulators, statutory nature conservation bodies and other stakeholders
• Preparing and presenting technical reports, briefings and presentations to technical and non-technical audiences

What I'm Looking For

• A relevant degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
• Extensive experience delivering and leading HRAs for marine or coastal projects
• Experience completing Level 2 Appropriate Assessments and complex project-level HRAs
• Strong knowledge of marine protected areas and UK protected species and habitats legislation
• Experience with marine noise, disturbance, water quality and habitat loss pathways
• Proven experience preparing, reviewing and quality assuring technical reports
• Strong stakeholder management and client-facing skills
• Experience working with defence clients, ideally MOD, DIO, Royal Navy or defence contractors
• CIEEM membership and/or Chartered Environmentalist status

This role would suit someone who enjoys working at the point where marine ecology, regulation, defence operations and complex environmental assessment meet.

Bristol / Hybrid
Competitive package
Contract opportunity