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- Tasks: Lead ecological assessments and develop biodiversity net gain strategies for exciting projects.
- Company: Established environmental consultancy in Leeds with a collaborative team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, career progression, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while mentoring the next generation of ecologists.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in ecological consultancy with strong knowledge of UK legislation and planning policy.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and work on high-profile projects across the North of England.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 78000 £ per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established environmental consultancy in Leeds for an Associate Ecologist with strong experience in biodiversity net gain (BNG), ecological assessment, and planning. This is an excellent opportunity to step into an Associate-level role, leading ecological input on projects, mentoring junior staff, and helping grow ecology services across the North of England.
The Role
As an Associate Ecologist, you will play a key part in delivering ecological services across a varied portfolio of development and infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include:
- Leading ecological assessments and biodiversity net gain (BNG) strategies from concept to completion
- Producing high-quality ecological reports (EcIA, BNG reports, habitat management plans) for planning submissions
- Providing technical ecological input to planning teams, developers, local authorities, and statutory consultees
- Overseeing field surveys, data analysis, and habitat evaluations in compliance with UK policy and best practice
- Mentoring and reviewing work from junior ecologists and assistants
- Supporting business growth through client engagement and proposal development
About You
Our ideal candidate will be a proactive ecologist who enjoys both technical delivery and client-facing responsibility. You will likely have:
- 4+ years’ experience in ecological consultancy, including BNG
- Strong knowledge of UK habitat and species legislation, planning policy, and guidance (including BNG frameworks)
- Experience leading ecological assessments and writing technical reports
- Confidence liaising with clients, planners, and statutory consultees
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and supervise junior staff
Desirable Skills
- Use of BNG calculators and GIS tools (QGIS/ArcGIS)
- Protected species survey and licensing experience
- Chartered membership or working towards CIEEM accreditation
- Experience working on multi-disciplinary project teams
What’s On Offer
- £55,000 – £65,000 salary (dependent on experience)
- Full-time, permanent position
- Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
- Career progression and leadership opportunities
- Support for professional development and chartership
- Involvement in high-profile projects across Leeds, West Yorkshire, and the North of England
- Friendly, collaborative team culture
Associate Ecologist - Biodiversity Net Gain & Ecology in Leeds employer: JP Engineering
Contact Detail:
JP Engineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Ecologist - Biodiversity Net Gain & Ecology in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other ecologists and professionals in the field. Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with biodiversity net gain and ecological assessments. Share specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to, and how you’ve made an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK habitat and species legislation. Be ready to discuss how you would approach ecological assessments and BNG strategies. Confidence is key, so practice your responses to common interview questions!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the role and showcasing your unique skills and experiences in ecology.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Ecologist - Biodiversity Net Gain & Ecology in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Associate Ecologist role. Highlight your experience with biodiversity net gain and ecological assessments, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about ecology and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention any mentoring experience you have!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to include any relevant software skills, like GIS tools or BNG calculators, in your application. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our friendly, collaborative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JP Engineering
✨Know Your BNG Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of biodiversity net gain (BNG) frameworks and legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Report Writing Skills
Since producing high-quality ecological reports is a key part of the role, bring examples of your previous work. Highlight your experience with EcIA and BNG reports, and be ready to explain your writing process and how you ensure compliance with UK policy.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring Experience
As an Associate Ecologist, you'll be expected to mentor junior staff. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or supported colleagues in their development. This will show your potential employer that you're not just a technical expert but also a great team player.
✨Engage with Client-Facing Scenarios
Prepare for questions about your experience liaising with clients, planners, and statutory consultees. Think of instances where you've successfully navigated complex discussions or negotiations, as this will demonstrate your confidence and communication skills.
