At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological assessments and innovative projects for nature recovery in the UK.
- Company: Join LUC, a leader in ecological consultancy with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of an Employee Ownership Trust, shaping the future of the company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature recovery while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology and project management; strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 59000 £ per year.
LUC is actively contributing to nature recovery in the UK and it’s never felt so vital. As a consultant to a range of government, LPA, charitable Trusts and private clients, our Strategic Ecology team is at the centre of this important work, creating a bridge between our ecology, landscape and planning disciplines. Our clients understand the importance of considering ecological opportunities from the outset of their strategic landscape-scale or policy projects, hence; demand for our support has increased. We’re seeking to appoint an Associate Ecologist with a strategic mindset to further develop and support our committed team.
Based within, and supported by, our existing Strategic Ecology team, the successful candidate will have an established background in ecology, be highly collaborative with a positive outlook to work across the practice and bring their ecological knowledge to successful strategic project delivery. Our work is varied and collectively the team holds a broad range of skills. If some of the ‘experience and qualifications’ listed below resonate with your skills and passion, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Strategic Ecology team frequently collaborates with our planning and landscape management colleagues on the delivery of truly integrated, landscape-scale assessments, strategies and supporting management plans for a range of public, private and third sector clients. Current examples of our work include:
- Preparation of Local Wildlife Site Reviews
- Nature Recovery and Biodiversity Action Plans
- Review and analysis of Local Nature Recovery Strategies and the Nature Restoration Fund
- Review and development of nature-related policies
- Landscape Recovery monitoring
- Green Infrastructure studies
- Strategic BNG studies
- Support to broader nature market studies
Consultation and collaborative working with other technical disciplines form a common thread through all. Reporting to our Strategic Ecology lead, the role will include:
- Management and delivery of ecological evidence-base assessments to achieve nature recovery within land use planning at a range of spatial scales
- Developing and testing innovative project methodologies founded in strong science in response to land planning and management challenges
- Application of ecological knowledge to challenges for climate change resilience as well as wider ecosystem services
- Leading strategic ecology advice to a multidisciplinary project team, where understanding, assimilation, assessment and resolve of multi-functional demands are required
- Management of projects – both field and office elements – to meet our highest quality standards
- Contribution to, and where appropriate lead, project-specific consultation and engagement with technical stakeholders
- Supporting growth for you and the team through development of our project portfolio and through active client development
- Line management and mentoring (structured process) of colleagues, including contribution to training initiatives
The role includes the opportunity to share and participate actively in the management and ownership of the business through the Employee Ownership Trust, which places full ownership of the company with the employees. The role is based in LUC’s offices in Bristol, London or Manchester. We work in a hybrid model with people being in the office a minimum of two days per week. There will also be travel required to visit sites, client offices and other office locations. A full-time role is based on 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). However, LUC has a strong track record in flexible working, and we have been recognised for our flexible working culture, so we are happy to discuss a range of flexible working options for this role including part time hours (minimum 30 hours per week) if desired.
Salary: £47,000 - £59,000 FTE (Plus London allowance of £4,000 if applicable)
Experience and qualifications:
The role will allow you to join LUC as we continue to raise our game in addressing the delivery of nature recovery and climate change resilience through our exciting project work. The successful candidate will complement our existing enthusiastic and dedicated ecology team. You will share our commitment to high-quality science and be motivated to help develop our staff and our business, as an equal partner. Applicants from a range of relevant backgrounds are welcome across public, private and third sectors. Relevant hands‑on experience is necessary, but we understand that this may be found working within teams developing nature or landscape recovery strategy and action plans, habitat management and biodiversity monitoring, Local Plan evidence, and so forth. In this role you will expect to develop your career through actively contributing to LUC’s award‑winning portfolio with diverse and challenging projects.
- Excellent understanding of the challenges facing nature recovery in the UK
- Strong working knowledge of UK ecology (generalist or specialist)
- Solid working knowledge of relevant emerging policy and legislation (examples of local / regional application included)
- Experience in line management and mentoring of colleagues in a structured process
- Demonstrable work‑winning and business development skills
- A reasoned, scientific approach to problem solving, including the ability to follow, and test, logical assessment methodologies
- Experience of working in multi-disciplinary project teams, which may span internal, client and/or stakeholder disciplines
- Familiarity with the strategic application of datasets
- Experience in the development and/or delivery of strategy and action plans for nature or landscape recovery (range of scales may apply)
- Experience in the design and/or delivery of habitat or broader land management plans (range of scales may apply)
- Stakeholder engagement and collaborative problem-solving experience
- Experience in the application of biodiversity and/or environmental metrics – this includes strategic landscape scale application as well as site‑specific metrics
- Understanding of the application of delivery funding more broadly
- Demonstrable knowledge of ecosystem services and/or natural capital (generalist or specialist)
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Please apply by uploading your CV and covering letter via the above link. LUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we actively encourage applications from under‑represented groups. We value the differences, needs and contributions a diverse workforce represents, and we strive to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all our people related activities.
Location: Bristol, London, or Manchester
Salary: £47,000 - £59,000 FTE (Plus London allowance of £4,000 if applicable)
Associate Strategic Ecologist in Bristol employer: Landuse
LUC is an exceptional employer dedicated to nature recovery, offering a collaborative and flexible work culture that empowers employees to thrive. With opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and involvement in diverse projects, our team members are integral to shaping impactful ecological strategies. Based in vibrant cities like Bristol, London, and Manchester, we support a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while fostering a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Strategic Ecologist in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecology field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for nature recovery and strategic ecology. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their projects and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to ecological challenges and think about how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the important work we do in nature recovery.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Strategic Ecologist in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Strategic Ecologist role. Highlight your background in ecology and any relevant project work that showcases your strategic mindset.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about nature recovery and how your experience can contribute to our Strategic Ecology team. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Collaboration Skills:Since we value teamwork, be sure to mention any experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Whether it's working with multidisciplinary teams or engaging with stakeholders, let us know how you thrive in a collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Landuse
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK ecology, including current policies and legislation. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the challenges facing nature recovery in the UK, as this will show your understanding of the role's importance.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, highlight your experience in collaboration. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked with others to achieve project goals, especially in ecological or landscape contexts.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your scientific approach to problem-solving. Think of scenarios where you've had to apply logical assessment methodologies to overcome challenges, particularly in relation to climate change resilience or biodiversity.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your experience in stakeholder engagement by preparing examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with various stakeholders. This could include clients, technical teams, or community groups, showcasing your ability to navigate complex discussions.
