Lead Ecologist

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants Direct message the job poster from Sustainable Futures Group | SFG Founder & Director at Sustainable Futures Group | SFG – Providing specialist recruitment solutions globally within Sustainability, ESG & HSE… Are you ready to take the lead on one of the UK’s most environmentally ambitious infrastructure projects? We’re supporting a nationally recognised contractor delivering a once-in-a-generation, state-backed power transmission upgrade – part of a major programme to modernise the UK’s energy infrastructure. With extensive ecological sensitivities and a multi-year construction timeline, this is a rare opportunity to step into a strategic, high-profile role with genuine long-term career potential. As Lead Ecologist, you’ll lead ecological compliance and delivery across this nationally significant Development Consent Order (DCO) scheme. You’ll act as the central point of contact for ecology matter – working closely with the client, statutory bodies (e.g. Natural England, RSPB), consultants, and internal delivery teams to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable construction. What you’ll be doing: Acting as the project’s ecology lead – primary interface for internal teams, the client, and external regulators Managing a small in-house ecology team and supervising subcontract consultants Developing and implementing ecological management plans aligned with legal and DCO requirements Leading on licensing, protected species compliance, and engagement with key stakeholders Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery and long-term habitat management strategies Providing strategic ecological advice to delivery teams – shaping decisions What we’re looking for: Strong ecological knowledge and understanding of UK wildlife legislation Prior experience delivering ecological mitigation on live infrastructure or linear construction projects such as Rail, Highways, Utilities. Confidence in managing clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary teams Familiarity with DCO frameworks, BNG, and environmental permitting (desirable) Degree in Ecology or a related field (essential); CIEEM membership preferred Experience managing teams or leading consultants Willingness to be site-based 3 – 4 days per week (Ipswich/Colchester area) with flexible home working Why this role? This is a career-defining opportunity to lead on a landmark infrastructure scheme with ecological complexity and national visibility. With long-term project security, regular regulator engagement, and future growth into leadership roles, this role offers the scope, support, and scale to make a meaningful impact. You’ll join a collaborative, values-driven team at a critical time – helping shape biodiversity outcomes from pre-construction through to post-delivery habitat success. What’s on offer: A very competitive basic salary Family private medical insurance 25 days annual leave + bank holidays Generous employer pension scheme Permanent, full-time role (40 hours/week) with flexible working culture Family-Friendly Policies (including enhanced parental leave) Share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more… Apply now through Sustainable Futures Group (SFG) – Global Recruitment Experts in Sustainability, ESG & HSE. Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Other Industries Construction, Services for Renewable Energy, and Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Sustainable Futures Group | SFG by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Ecologist” roles. Ipswich, England, United Kingdom 23 hours ago Ipswich, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago Advanced Biomedical Scientist – Microbiology Ipswich, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago Consultant in Microbiology infectious Diseases Ipswich, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago Specialist Biomedical Scientist – Biochemistry Specialist Biomedical Scientist – Biochemistry Colchester, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago Ipswich, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago Colchester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago Ipswich, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago BNG specialist (Ecology Technical / Associate Director) Dublin, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago Deputy Director for Environmental Markets & Regulation – 30904 Colchester, England, United Kingdom 2 hours ago Deputy Director for Environmental Markets & Regulation – 30904 Ipswich, England, United Kingdom 2 hours ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr