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- Tasks: Lead ecological projects in the water sector, managing surveys and assessments.
- Company: Join Southern Ecological Solutions, a leading ecological consultancy focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, birthday leave, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation in ecology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in consultancy with a degree in ecology or related field required.
- Other info: Opportunities for rapid career progression and mentoring junior ecologists.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
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Join to apply for the Senior Ecologist (Water Industry) role at Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
Senior Ecologist (Water Industry)
Are you an experienced ecologist with experience within the water industry?
The Vacancy
Senior Ecologist (Water Industry)
Are you an experienced ecologist with experience within the water industry?
Looking for a fresh new challenge within your career?
Want to be a part of a team with an inclusive, dynamic working culture that values collaboration, technical excellence, and career progression?
Well then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
SES is an established ecological consultancy with specialist services across terrestrial ecology, aquatic ecology, habitat restoration, UKHab, BNG assessments, and protected species licensing. As part of the RSK Group, we work at the interface of nature conservation, infrastructure development, and environmental innovation.
We’ve built a strong track record delivering ecological solutions for water utility companies, regulatory authorities, engineering consultancies, and landowners. Our work spans catchment-wide biodiversity assessments, habitat enhancement delivery, river corridor assessments, and protected species mitigation linked to water infrastructure schemes.
The role:
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES), part of the RSK Group, is currently seeking a driven Senior Ecologist to lead and expand our delivery of high-quality ecological and habitat services across the water sector. This is a full-time, permanent role based in the Midlands, North of England or South East, with flexible hybrid or remote working options available.
You will have strong technical ecology credentials, experience in water-linked infrastructure or conservation projects, and a passion for delivering pragmatic, value-driven solutions in complex environments. You will also take the lead on major projects, manage ecological inputs into freshwater and terrestrial schemes, and contribute to the strategic growth of SES’s Midlands ecology team.
Your Role:
Project Leadership & Delivery
- Manage and oversee ecological surveys, impact assessments, and mitigation strategies for major water-related and terrestrial infrastructure projects.
- Lead UKHab, BNG, and protected species assessments for pipeline routes, reservoir works, nature-based solutions, and mine water remediation.
- Deliver high-quality outputs aligned with client objectives and regulatory compliance.
Client Engagement & Work Winning
- Build trusted relationships with clients across the water, utilities, and environmental sectors.
- Identify opportunities to grow our presence in aquatic ecology, river restoration, and biodiversity net gain delivery.
- Prepare tenders and contribute to framework bids across sectors.
Team Mentoring & Development
- Support and mentor junior ecologists and field survey teams across the Midlands and North.
- Help embed SES’s high standards of data integrity, health and safety, and ecological best practice.
Technical and Strategic Contribution
- Provide senior oversight on complex ecological scopes, bringing a pragmatic, solution-led approach to risk and mitigation.
- Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and represent SES within professional networks and industry forums.
- Promote innovation in data collection, remote survey methods, and GIS-based habitat mapping across water environments.
Key experience & Qualifications:
Ideally you will have a minimum of 5 years’ consultancy experience with significant field and project management skills. You will also have demonstrable leadership in delivering ecology services on water, wetland, or aquatic habitat projects.
A strong understanding of UKHab classification and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics and previous experience mentoring staff and leading field teams would be desirable.
You will also have:
- A degree (or higher) in ecology or a related field.
- FISC Level 4 or equivalent botanical ID experience strongly desirable or experienced with protected species.
A full UK driving license and willingness to travel to field locations would be required for this role.
What We Offer:
Along with a competitive salary of between £30,000 – £40,000+ based on experience and qualifications, you will also enjoy a wide range of other benefits including:
- Birthday Leave: Enjoy a day off to celebrate your birthday.
- Life Assurance: Benefit from our life assurance plan to provide peace of mind.
- Pension Contributions: Receive contributions to your pension plan to support your future.
- Generous Holiday Allowance: Start with 20 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 28 days.
- Private Medical Insurance: Access private medical insurance to take care of your health.
- Flexible Benefits Programme: Tailor your benefits with options to buy additional holidays, health cash plans, and discounted gym memberships, allowing you to choose what suits you best.
- Targeted CPD plan and rapid progression for ambitious candidates.
Apply today or for any further information or queries please do get in touch.
RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
#ecology #water #surveys #environment #rskgroup #hiringnow #joinus
About Us
We are a multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in ecology, habitat management, arboriculture, and landscape design, based in Essex, UK. Since our company’s founding, we have grown to become a leading UK provider of specialist ecological, arboricultural and landscape design consulting services. We are known for devising sustainable, pragmatic, and client-focused solutions. Our diverse portfolio includes clients in the fields of infrastructure, development, conservation charities and individual bespoke projects. Our business is continuing to expand into new markets, and we are forming new teams to meet future challenges.
SES has a team of 52 qualified ecologists, landscape architects, arboriculturists and coordination and support staff. Currently, we’re working with Barratt Homes and the RSPB on a large residential housing development, Kingsbrook, a case study in the biodiversity net gain best practice principles for development. Our ecological work includes due diligence reporting, land appraisals, habitat design and creation, protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments. Landscape design and planning services teams specialise in strategic projects, combining an innovative and context-led approach to design.
SES is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.
At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.
Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues\’ growth. We\’re committed to preserving RSK\’s people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.
By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office-based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments.
We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.
If you\’re passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?
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Mid-Senior level
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Senior Ecologist (Water Industry) employer: Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
Contact Detail:
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist (Water Industry)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the water industry and ecological consultancy sectors. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and clients, which can help you gain insights into SES's work culture and projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in aquatic ecology and biodiversity net gain metrics. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've led or contributed to that align with SES's focus on water-related infrastructure. Highlight your experience in managing ecological surveys and impact assessments to showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with SES on social media platforms to understand their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show your genuine interest in becoming part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist (Water Industry)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in ecology and the water industry. Focus on specific projects you've led or contributed to, especially those involving ecological assessments or habitat restoration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for ecology and the water sector. Mention why you want to work with Southern Ecological Solutions and how your skills align with their mission and values.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves project leadership and mentoring, emphasise any previous leadership roles or experiences where you managed teams or projects. Provide examples of successful outcomes from your leadership.
Showcase Technical Skills: Detail your technical skills related to UKHab classification, Biodiversity Net Gain metrics, and any relevant software or methodologies you are proficient in. This will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to SES's projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Senior Ecologist, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong technical credentials. Be prepared to discuss your experience with ecological surveys, impact assessments, and specific projects you've led in the water industry. Highlight any relevant certifications or training that showcase your expertise.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Since building trusted relationships with clients is key, think of examples where you've successfully engaged with clients in previous roles. Prepare to discuss how you identify opportunities for growth and how you approach client communication and relationship management.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring Experience
This role involves mentoring junior ecologists, so be ready to share your experiences in leading teams and supporting others' development. Discuss specific instances where you've guided colleagues or contributed to team success, showcasing your leadership style.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Ecology
Your enthusiasm for ecology and conservation should shine through during the interview. Share your motivations for working in this field, any personal projects or initiatives you've been involved in, and how you stay updated on industry trends and innovations.
