At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape land restoration and sustainable development through ecological assessments and practical solutions.
- Company: Join a dynamic environmental consultancy with a focus on innovative projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for site visits and diverse projects.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of biodiversity initiatives and influence planning decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecological assessments and knowledge of UK habitats and legislation.
Help shape the future of land restoration, regeneration and sustainable development. We're looking for an experienced Ecologist to join a growing multidisciplinary environmental consultancy, working on a diverse portfolio of planning, quarry restoration, land regeneration and development projects.
This isn't a traditional ecology consultancy role. You'll be involved from the earliest stages of projects, helping to identify ecological constraints, influence planning decisions and develop practical, commercially balanced solutions that support both environmental objectives and successful project delivery.
Working closely with planning, engineering and operational teams, the Ecologist will undertake preliminary ecological assessments, advise on ecological risks and determine when specialist surveys or technical expertise are required. You'll also coordinate external ecological consultants, ensuring their recommendations are proportionate, commercially sensible and aligned with project objectives.
As the Ecologist, you'll play a key role in supporting the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), providing technical ecological input throughout the planning process and helping shape habitat creation, enhancement and long-term management strategies across a wide variety of projects.
What You'll Be Doing
- Undertake Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), habitat surveys and ecological site walkovers
- Identify ecological constraints and opportunities across planning, restoration and development projects
- Provide practical ecological advice that supports project delivery while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation
- Assess when specialist ecological surveys or technical expertise are required
- Coordinate and manage external ecological consultants where appropriate
- Review ecological reports and recommendations to ensure they are practical, proportionate and aligned with project requirements
- Support planning applications through the provision of ecological advice
- Contribute to the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), including habitat creation, enhancement, long-term habitat management and application of the statutory Biodiversity Metric
- Build strong working relationships with planners, engineers, project managers, regulators and external specialists
- Undertake regular site visits across active quarry, restoration and development sites
What We're Looking For
The successful Ecologist will have experience undertaking preliminary ecological assessments and habitat surveys, together with a sound understanding of ecological legislation, planning and Biodiversity Net Gain. You'll enjoy solving problems, making balanced decisions and working collaboratively to deliver practical environmental solutions. Commercial awareness, sound judgement and the confidence to recommend pragmatic ecological solutions will be key to success in the role.
You'll ideally have:
- Experience undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) and habitat surveys
- Good knowledge of UK habitats, protected species legislation and the planning system
- Good understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and the statutory Biodiversity Metric
- Experience supporting planning and development projects
- Experience coordinating specialist ecological surveys or working with external ecological consultants
- Excellent communication and report writing skills
- Full UK driving licence
If you're an experienced Ecologist looking to work on technically interesting projects where your expertise will influence planning, restoration and development from the outset, we'd love to hear from you.
This role is handled by McCarthy Recruitment, an award‑winning multi‑sector recruiter. We believe that you matter and care about unlocking your full potential. Work with us to find your perfect role and start your journey today.
The Legal Bit: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying for this role, you are explicitly consenting for McCarthy Recruitment to hold and process your data in compliance with GDPR.
Ecologist employer: McCarthy Recruitment
Join a dynamic and innovative environmental consultancy in Birchwood, Warrington, where your expertise as an Ecologist will directly influence sustainable land development and restoration projects. We foster a collaborative work culture that values your input and encourages professional growth, offering competitive salaries and opportunities to engage in meaningful ecological initiatives. With a focus on Biodiversity Net Gain and a diverse project portfolio, you'll be part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment while advancing your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ecologist
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like McCarthy Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like McCarthy Recruitment and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at McCarthy Recruitment.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. McCarthy Recruitment will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Ecologist at McCarthy Recruitment. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at McCarthy Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at McCarthy Recruitment, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show McCarthy Recruitment that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
