Senior Ecologist in Cardiff

Senior Ecologist in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Mott MacDonald

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Mentor junior ecologists, conduct surveys, and lead exciting projects across the UK.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking ecological consultancy committed to sustainability and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, health insurance, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion in a dynamic team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on ecological projects while developing your skills and career.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Ecology and over five years of relevant experience required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Joining our team as a Senior Ecologist you will mentor junior team members, undertake office‑based tasks and conduct site surveys. You may lead elements of large‑sized projects, liaising with subject‑matter experts, ensuring deliverables are on time and on budget, and further develop your project management experience if desired. Projects span across the UK and cover all stages of a project’s life cycle, giving you the opportunity to positively influence scheme design and promote best practice.

Responsibilities

  • Mentor junior team members.
  • Conduct office‑based work and site surveys/site work.
  • Lead project elements, liaising with SMEs and ensuring timely, budget‑constrained deliverables.
  • Progress project management experience.
  • Provide technical expertise in ecology, including ornithology, botany, or BNG.
  • Travel throughout the UK as required.

Qualifications & Experience

  • A degree in Ecology (or a directly related subject). An additional higher degree is an advantage.
  • Over five years' experience in ecological consultancy (or equivalent with transferable skills).
  • Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or equivalent.
  • Strong communication skills with multi‑disciplinary teams, clients, and regulators.

Technical specialism:

  • Ornithologist – holding a survey licence for at least one Schedule1 species.
  • Botanist – FISC level 4 or higher.
  • BNG – BNG lead experience on projects.
  • Species specialist – holds a protected species licence.
  • Willingness to travel throughout the UK.

Desirable: Experience preparing costs and text for bids; ecological clerk of works; proficiency in report writing and track record reviewing ecological deliverables.

Benefits

  • Pension: 4.5%–7% employee pension match.
  • Life assurance up to 4× basic salary, optional up to 6×.
  • Income protection scheme.
  • Flexible benefits: life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving, and will writing.
  • Employee ownership model, including bonus schemes.
  • Private medical insurance (UK colleagues).
  • Health cash plan.
  • Wellbeing support, including access to Peppy for menopause experts.
  • Flex‑salary for health benefits.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, promoting fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.

Accessibility

We want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need support to apply or attend an interview, please contact us – we will provide reasonable adjustments.

Senior Ecologist in Cardiff employer: Mott MacDonald

As a Senior Ecologist with us, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures that every team member can contribute meaningfully while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible health options and an employee ownership model. With projects spanning the UK, you will have the unique opportunity to influence ecological practices and mentor the next generation of ecologists in a dynamic environment.

Mott MacDonald

Contact Details:

Mott MacDonald Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist in Cardiff

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 Mott MacDonald.

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 Mott MacDonald and can help us land that full-time gig.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist in Cardiff

Ecological Consultancy
Project Management
Mentoring
Site Surveys
Communication Skills
Technical Expertise in Ecology
Ornithology

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 Mott MacDonald.

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. Mott MacDonald 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 Senior Ecologist at Mott MacDonald. 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 Mott MacDonald

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 Mott MacDonald, 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 Mott MacDonald 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.