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- Tasks: Lead ecological projects in the water sector and mentor junior ecologists.
- Company: Join Southern Ecological Solutions, part of the innovative RSK Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and tailored benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental sustainability while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in ecology consultancy with strong project management skills.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture that values collaboration and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced ecologist with experience within the water industry? Looking for a fresh new challenge within your career? Want to be a part of a team with an inclusive, dynamic working culture that values collaboration, technical excellence, and career progression? Well then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
The Role: Southern Ecological Solutions (SES), part of the wider RSK Group, is currently seeking a driven Senior Ecologist to lead and expand our delivery of high-quality ecological and habitat services across the water sector. This is a full-time, permanent role based in the Midlands, North of England or South East, with flexible hybrid or remote working options available. You will have strong technical ecology credentials, experience in water-linked infrastructure or conservation projects, and a passion for delivering pragmatic, value-driven solutions in complex environments. You will also take the lead on major projects, manage ecological inputs into freshwater and terrestrial schemes, and contribute to the strategic growth of SES’s Midlands ecology team.
Your Role:
- Project Leadership & Delivery: Manage and oversee ecological surveys, impact assessments, and mitigation strategies for major water-related and terrestrial infrastructure projects. Lead UKHab, BNG, and protected species assessments for pipeline routes, reservoir works, nature-based solutions, and mine water remediation. Deliver high-quality outputs aligned with client objectives and regulatory compliance.
- Client Engagement & Work Winning: Build trusted relationships with clients across the water, utilities, and environmental sectors. Identify opportunities to grow our presence in aquatic ecology, river restoration, and biodiversity net gain delivery. Prepare tenders and contribute to framework bids across sectors.
- Team Mentoring & Development: Support and mentor junior ecologists and field survey teams across the Midlands and North. Help embed SES’s high standards of data integrity, health and safety, and ecological best practice.
- Technical and Strategic Contribution: Provide senior oversight on complex ecological scopes, bringing a pragmatic, solution-led approach to risk and mitigation. Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and represent SES within professional networks and industry forums. Promote innovation in data collection, remote survey methods, and GIS-based habitat mapping across water environments.
Introduction to SES: Southern Ecological Solutions is a trusted consultancy specialising in Ecology, Arboriculture, and Landscape Planning & Design. For over a decade, we have built a reputation for delivering pragmatic, innovative solutions to clients ranging from global corporations to private homeowners. At SES, you’ll have the opportunity to advance your career while contributing to environmentally sustainable growth. Be part of a company that champions innovation and values its people as much as the environment. We are also part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors.
Key experience & Qualifications: Ideally you will have a minimum of 5 years’ consultancy experience with significant field and project management skills. You will also have demonstrable leadership in delivering ecology services on water, wetland, or aquatic habitat projects. A strong understanding of UKHab classification and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics and previous experience mentoring staff and leading field teams would be desirable. You will also have: A degree (or higher) in ecology or a related field. FISC Level 4 or equivalent botanical ID experience strongly desirable or experienced with protected species. A full UK driving license and willingness to travel to field locations would be required for this role.
What We Offer: Along with a competitive salary of between £35,000 and £40,000+ based on experience and qualifications, you will also enjoy a wide range of other benefits including:
- Birthday Leave: Enjoy a day off to celebrate your birthday in addition to your annual leave.
- Generous Holiday Allowance: Start with 23 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 28 days.
- Life Assurance: Benefit from our life assurance plan to provide peace of mind.
- Hybrid working: Flexible working from home, site and the office with flexible working hours (role dependant).
- Private Medical Insurance: Access private medical insurance to take care of your health.
- Flexible Benefits Programme: Tailor your benefits with options to buy additional holidays, health cash plans, and discounted gym memberships, allowing you to choose what suits you best.
- Targeted CPD plan: Support, and rapid progression for ambitious candidates.
- Professional membership: Fees will be covered by the company.
Apply today or for any further information or queries please do get in touch. RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Senior Ecologist (Water Sector) employer: RSK Group
Contact Detail:
RSK Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist (Water Sector)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the water sector. Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and successes in ecology and water management. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in managing ecological surveys and leading teams. The more comfortable you are discussing your skills, the more confident you’ll appear to employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about joining us at SES. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits we value. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist (Water Sector)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in the water sector and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Ecologist, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical credentials!
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 you can contribute to our team at SES. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring junior ecologists, highlight any previous leadership or mentoring experiences. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others, so share those stories!
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 from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSK Group
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to ecology, especially in the water sector. Be prepared to discuss UKHab classification and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Leadership
Prepare examples of past projects where you led ecological surveys or managed teams. Highlight your experience with water-linked infrastructure and how you delivered high-quality outputs that met client objectives.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since client engagement is key, practice building rapport during the interview. Show your ability to connect with others by being personable and demonstrating your passion for collaboration and mentorship.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about SES’s approach to innovation in data collection and habitat mapping. This shows your genuine interest in the company and its values, and it can help you stand out as a candidate.
