Senior Ecologist

Sizewell, Suffolk (based on site at Sizewell C)

Full Time – Permanent

Up to £45k (DOE) + Bonus + Flexible Benefits.

Summary

At Freedom Professional Services, we’re not just another consultancy—we’re problem-solvers at the heart of the Net Zero transition. Our mission is to deliver real-world solutions, not just reports. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Senior Ecologist to take the lead on ecological matters at Sizewell C and associated projects.

If you’re an experienced ecologist looking for a role where you can truly make an impact—shaping biodiversity strategies, overseeing habitat management, and working on one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects, this role is designed for you.

Some of the key deliverables in this role will include:

As a Senior Ecologist, you’ll take a hands-on role in delivering ecological expertise that influences the project at every stage. You will be responsible for:

• Contribution to, producing and overseeing habitat management plans.
• Reviewing and analysing a range of species and habitat survey reports.
• Contributing to, producing, overseeing, and reviewing high quality ecological reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), mitigation strategies and ecological working method statements.
• Undertaking, overseeing, and reviewing Ecological Surveys, including Extended Phase 1, UKHab and Protected Species Surveys.
• Contribution to, producing and overseeing BNG assessments.
• Planning of field survey logistics, and preparation and implementation of survey methods.
• Compilation of project specific desk studies and literature reviews.
• Presentation, and interpretation, of data to contribute towards survey, monitoring and management reports.
• Overseeing, or acting as, Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) to deliver onsite ecological supervision/auditing/support.
• Data gathering and mapping using GIS, including QGIS
• Understanding, writing and reviewing risk assessment and method statements for safe site work.
• Contributing towards bids, tenders and budget and project finance management.

What we’re looking for:

The successful candidate will be joining a team of professionals who work closely with colleagues in other disciplines such as Arboriculture, Land Access and Geomatics. We’re looking for someone with a positive, ambitious, determined and pragmatic outlook. As someone experienced and knowledgeable in Ecology and Survey Techniques, you’ll also have experience of the below:

• Demonstrable consultancy experience (or equivalent within the industry)
• Confident in Phase 1 habitats/UKHab surveys and good botanical skills.
• Confident in field survey covering a range of British wildlife (typically including bats, badger, birds otter, water vole, GCN, etc.). Species specialisms are welcomed, however an awareness of protected and priority species and habitat’s role in wider ecosystems is also essential.
• Associate or Full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• A good understanding of current wildlife and environmental legislation, policy trends, standards and established ecological guidance.
• A degree in Ecology, Biodiversity, Conservation Management, Environmental Science, or a relevant subject is preferred
• Protected species class licence holder (bats as a preference) is desirable
• Having been a Named Ecologist or an Accredited Agent on EPSL’s and badger mitigation licences is desirable
• Full UK driving licence.

Why Join Us?

At Freedom, we believe in attracting and retaining the best talent by offering great benefits and career progression opportunities, including:

• Pension with up to 8% employer contribution
• Private Medical Insurance
• Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)
• Flexible benefits (e.g., Dental Insurance, Gym Memberships, Tax-Free Bikes)
• Ongoing Training & Development Programme

Next Steps

As a business, we’re on a journey to build on our culture where everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. This starts with recruitment and how we bring people into the organisation.  

We’ll do our best to outline the recruitment process to you ahead of time with plenty of notice. If you require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met. About Us 

Freedom are part of the NG Bailey Group, one of the leading independent engineering and services businesses in the UK. Founded in 1921, with a turnover of £500m and 3000 employees, we are proud of our history of developing great people through our investment in training.

You will be working as part of a team where we are committed to creating a culture where we treat each other fairly and with respect, recognising everyone as an individual.

Progression is something we value and we will make sure that when you join us you have a clearly defined development path, supported by regular reviews, training and ongoing support to enable you to be the best you can be.

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