Senior Field Ecologist in Leeds

Join to apply for the Senior Field Ecologist role at SLR Consulting. Due to continued business growth, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Ecologist to join our North East ecology team in a Senior Field role. Based from our Sheffield or Leeds offices, you will play a lead role in undertaking and delivering a range of projects across our business sectors, particularly including Renewables and Built Environment. This role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for the delivery of ecology inputs to a number of large and complex projects.

SLR has a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Licensed members of our team can deal with great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice and reptiles.

The role will involve work on field surveys and mitigation projects relating to ornithology, protected/notable mammals and habitats. You may also have the opportunity to be involved in herpetofauna, fish habitat and invertebrate surveys. Subject to your skills, this may include some of the following:

• Managing / overseeing ecological aspects of projects, advising clients and their contractors on schemes in the power, built environment and infrastructure sectors
• Preparation of fee proposals and scope of works, report writing and technical review of peer and sub-contractor reports
• Supervision and mentoring of ecology staff; depending on skills and experience, the role may also include staff management and leading site work on particular ecological specialisms
• Scheduling, managing and ensuring delivery of ecological survey work packages on time and budget
• Liaising with other SLR technical teams on a variety of subjects including planning, landscape, hydrology, noise and air quality whilst working closely with senior members of the ecology team in other SLR offices

It is important to understand that the job is likely to involve a significant amount of travel and time away from home, as well as survey work in all weathers and occasionally in remote locations. Long days may occasionally be required for field work. SLR offers paid overtime or Time off in lieu/flexible working to help make this manageable.

You will have demonstrable experience in a range of different areas of ecological consultancy practice, and would be able to lead and mentor others within the team. You should be able to demonstrate competence in ecological surveying (whether terrestrial ecology, botany, ornithology or another specialism) and have an understanding of the relevant ecological legislation and policy within Scotland and throughout the UK.

• BSc Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable) and eligible for Qualifying or Associate level CIEEM membership
• Good theoretical grounding in ecology and environmental assessment and be able to demonstrate experience in a range of ecological survey techniques
• Botanical skills and experience of habitat surveys would be an advantage, along with specialist fauna surveys (bats, reptiles, amphibians, water voles, otters, birds or invertebrates)
• Experience in project management duties including planning and scheduling surveys, budget management and client liaison
• Protected /notable species survey experience of relevance to Scotland
• Ornithological, botanical, terrestrial or freshwater fauna surveys
• Hold a full UK driving licence

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under‑represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent. Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR. SLR Commitment – All applicants with a disability who meet the essential requirements for the job will be guaranteed an interview in line with our Disability Confident Committed status.