At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Ecologist, conducting fieldwork and assessments for renewable energy projects.
- Company: We're a UK-based renewable energy developer focused on solar and battery storage solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, with flexibility to balance office and field visits.
- Why this job: Be the first in-house ecologist, shaping our ecology function and tackling exciting projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of experience in ecology, preferably in renewable energy; CIEEM membership is a plus.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow into senior roles as our project pipeline expands.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Ecologist
Location: London, England (Hybrid Working)
A UK-based renewable energy developer is expanding its in-house capabilities as it scales up the delivery of large-scale solar and battery storage projects across the country. Backed by a major infrastructure investor through a joint venture, the company has a growing pipeline of 5–7MW sites (typically around 20 acres) and plans to add 20–30 new sites in the near future. Onshore wind is also being explored as a future addition to the portfolio.
To support this growth, the business is bringing previously outsourced functions in house — starting with ecology. They’re now looking to hire an experienced Ecologist (with scope for a second hire), to work closely with the Planning Manager across development and consenting. This is a field-based role with regular site visits and ideally one day per week in the London office, offering the opportunity to shape and lead the ecology function as it develops.
Why this role exists:
Due to a growing project pipeline and increasing volume of sites under development, the team is now looking to internalise resources previously outsourced — ecology being a key priority.
Where this role sits:
This will be the first ecologist to join the business in-house, with a clear opportunity to grow a small internal ecology team in future.
Essential experience and skills
- Circa 5+ years' experience working as an ecologist, ideally in the renewable energy sector
- Able to work autonomously across multiple sites and stages of development
- Comfortable conducting Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Visual Landscape Impact Assessments, and biodiversity surveys (birds, bats, reptiles etc.)
- Enthusiastic about regular time on-site, with a mix of fieldwork and desktop assessments
Nice to have
- Background in solar and battery projects, with onshore wind experience as a bonus
- Experience working in or alongside consultancies, including management of third-party stakeholders
- Membership with CIEEM or similar industry body
With a consistently growing project pipeline, this role offers the opportunity to take on increasingly complex projects and develop into more senior positions within the business.
If you're interested, please apply below:
Ecologist employer: Piper Maddox
Contact Detail:
Piper Maddox Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the renewable energy sector, especially those involved in ecology. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific ecological assessments mentioned in the job description, such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Visual Landscape Impact Assessments. Being able to discuss these topics confidently during an interview will demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company’s current projects and their approach to ecology within renewable energy. Understanding their values and how they integrate ecological considerations into their projects can help you tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider joining relevant professional bodies like CIEEM if you haven't already. This not only enhances your credibility but also provides access to resources and networking opportunities that can be beneficial when applying for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in ecology, particularly within the renewable energy sector. Emphasise your skills in conducting Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and biodiversity surveys, as these are essential for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for ecology and renewable energy. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the company's focus on solar and battery storage projects.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have membership with CIEEM or similar industry bodies, make sure to mention this in your application. It demonstrates your commitment to the field and can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Autonomy and Teamwork: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully worked autonomously across multiple sites while also collaborating with teams. This will demonstrate your ability to manage responsibilities effectively in a hybrid working environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Piper Maddox
✨Showcase Your Relevant Experience
Make sure to highlight your 5+ years of experience as an ecologist, especially any work you've done in the renewable energy sector. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role.
✨Demonstrate Fieldwork Enthusiasm
Since this role involves regular site visits, express your enthusiasm for fieldwork. Share examples of past field experiences, such as conducting biodiversity surveys or ecological appraisals, to show you're comfortable in various environments.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Visual Landscape Impact Assessments. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain your methodology and findings from previous assessments.
✨Discuss Future Team Development
As the first ecologist in-house, you'll have a role in shaping the team. Talk about your vision for building an internal ecology function and how you would approach mentoring new team members in the future.