Senior Ecologist

Title: Senior Ecologist (with clear progression to Principal Ecologist)

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Locations: Multiple offices across Northern Ireland

Travel: Occasional travel and overnight stays across NI and ROI

The Opportunity:An established and growing environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its multidisciplinary team. This role offers a clearly defined progression pathway to Principal Ecologist, making it ideal for candidates looking to step into technical leadership while continuing to work on varied, high-quality projects. The position is suitable for ecologists at different senior career stages (Early, Mid, or Advanced), with responsibilities aligned to experience and future ambitions.

Role Overview:You will play a key role in delivering ecological surveys, assessments, and reports across a broad portfolio of projects, including infrastructure and development schemes. The role combines technical delivery, mentoring, project leadership, and client engagement within a supportive, forward-thinking consultancy environment.

Senior Ecologist Framework:Early Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 5–6 years\’ experience)

Lead ecological surveys across a range of habitats and protected species

Prepare and quality-assure ecological reports and chapters (e.g. PEAs, CEMPs, Appropriate Assessments, NIS, BNG)

Provide ecological input to planners, engineers, and project teams

Mentor junior staff in fieldwork, reporting, and professional development

Support tender preparation and fee proposals

Develop client relationships and progress towards specialist licences

Mid Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 6–7 years\’ experience)

Lead large-scale projects, including EIAs and major infrastructure schemes

Quality-assure complex reports and mitigation strategies

Deliver internal and external CPD sessions

Manage staff across multiple survey programmes

Represent ecology at multidisciplinary design team meetings

Contribute to business development and long-term client relationships

Advanced Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 7–8 years\’ experience – Principal track)

Act as a recognised technical expert across multiple project types

Independently lead ecological input on major projects and regulatory submissions

Quality-assure complex assessments (EcIA, SEA, NIS)

Mentor staff across grades and support recruitment and training

Assist with tender leadership and influence technical standards

Undertake licensed works and liaise directly with regulators

Skills & Experience:

Degree in Ecology or a closely related discipline

Consultancy experience with protected habitats and priority species

Strong knowledge of UK, Irish, and EU wildlife legislation

Experience in ecological assessment and reporting, including EIAs

Proven mentoring and staff development experience

Excellent report writing, communication, and organisational skills

Ability to work independently and make robust, defensible decisions

Invasive species management experience

Protected species licensing experience (desirable, not essential)

Full driving licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork

CIEEM membership is desirable but not essential.

What\’s on Offer:

Clear and supported progression to Principal Ecologist

Flexible working arrangements and extended leave options

25 days annual leave, increasing with service (plus public holidays)

Private health insurance and company pension scheme

Performance-related and biannual bonus schemes

Paid professional memberships and training/CPD

Support for further professional qualifications

Cycle-to-work scheme, travel support, company vehicles, and parking

Regular team events and a genuinely people-focused culture

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