Ecologist in Reading

Mott MacDonald Bentley is a fully integrated design and build business combining the design expertise of Mott MacDonald with the contracting experience of JN Bentley to deliver award-winning projects. Working for Mott MacDonald Bentley, you will work on major water and wastewater schemes throughout all phases of the project from feasibility through to construction. With an annual turnover surpassing £500 million, Mott MacDonald Bentley cements its position as a leader within the industry. The sustained, robust business performance creates an ideal environment for career growth.

MMB has successfully extended its contract with Thames Water for an additional five years. As the largest water and wastewater provider in the UK, Thames Water serves 15 million customers throughout London and the Thames Valley. This extension will carry the current agreement through to the end of AMP8 in March 2030. MMB is delivering work on three frameworks in the region, which sees us undertake a varied programme of water and wastewater non-infrastructure and infrastructure projects to improve the network.

You will work on projects that make a real difference to our environment and our communities. Working primarily in the UK water market, MMB provides the feasibility, design, construction, and commissioning services needed to keep water flowing and wastewater treated. You’ll work on projects that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of water and wastewater treatment systems.

The role of an Ecologist includes:

• Engaging in projects that cover all phases of the life cycle, from initial design to implementation. Your involvement allows for significant influence on scheme design, enhancements, and the promotion of best practices.
• Embracing the exciting advancements in delivering Net Benefits to Biodiversity, with opportunities to integrate these into client advice and collaborate with clients to develop their strategies accordingly.
• Working on a diverse range of projects and tasks to challenge you and help you reach your full potential. This approach maximises your opportunities and training, fostering both your skills and our business growth.
• Collaborating as part of our team, whether on-site or in the office, alongside ecologists of varying experience levels and our environmental and engineering colleagues. This teamwork will deepen your understanding of our consultancy and construction business.
• Using and promoting integrated solutions and innovative technology, while ensuring quality is maintained and helping us to build a lasting and sustainable environmental business.

What you’ll need:

• A degree in Ecology (or directly related subject).
• Knowledge, understanding and experience of applying relevant guidance for surveys.
• Report writing experience.
• Knowledge of assessing and implementing biodiversity net gain.
• A valid driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across your operational region.
• Protected species licence or working towards one.

What’s in it for you:

• Financial wellbeing: MMB match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%. As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues including our annual bonus schemes. Payment of annual professional institution subscription costs.
• Health and wellbeing: A minimum of 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays, with the ability to buy, sell or carry over annual leave through our flexible benefits programme. Access to Life Assurance / Private Medical Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance and Health Screening options. We are happy to talk openly about flexible working and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace. Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities. Enhanced family and carers leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave plus the option for shared parental leave. Up to 2 paid additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities.
• Learning and development: MMB are committed to empowering our people to grow professionally and thrive in their careers. We offer structured development schemes that support your journey toward professional chartership. From day one, employees are fast-tracked towards chartership reviews and benefit from mentorship, hands-on experience, and tailored training opportunities.