Senior Ecologist | Remote & Flexible in Manchester

Job Description

This is a remote position.

We are working with a well-established environmental consultancy who are seeking a Senior Ecologist to join their UK-wide team. This is a remote role, with occasional travel to project sites and team meetings, offering enhanced flexibility in working patterns and hours, and an exciting chance to lead on ecological delivery across a variety of sectors.

What you will be doing

• Lead, manage and undertake ecological surveys including habitat assessments (e.g. UK Habitat Classification, UK Hab), botanical and faunal surveys, and protected species work.
• Produce technical reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and mitigation plans.
• Prepare protected species licence applications and advise on mitigation and enhancement strategies.
• Utilise GIS tools (e.g. QGIS) and mapping software to support habitat mapping, BNG calculations and project modelling.
• Provide ecological advice to clients and stakeholders on development projects, regulatory compliance and nature-positive outcomes.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists, delivering technical checks, contributing to training and helping develop the team.
• Contribute to business development activities including bids, tenders and helping shape the growth of the ecology team.

Requirements

• A degree (or equivalent) in ecology, environmental science, biology or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience working in ecological consultancy, delivering habitat and protected species surveys, reporting, and mitigation.
• Proven ability in botanical and faunal identification, and survey design.
• Experience with EcIA, BNG assessments, and / or protected species licence applications.
• Confident use of GIS or similar mapping tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to interface with clients, internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Membership of or eligibility for the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is desirable, but not essential.

Benefits

• Flexible remote working arrangement with some site visits and occasional travel.
• Competitive salary dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Additional benefits that include profit share, wellbeing allowances, and an unlimited training budget.
• Enhanced annual leave, plus options for additional leave that includes birthday leave, volunteering leave, and purchasing arrangements.
• Opportunity for professional development and progression in a consultancy that values ecological excellence that is supported with an unlimited training budget.
• A supportive team environment where your expertise will shape project outcomes and career direction.