At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage ecological projects, produce reports, and mentor junior team members.
- Company: Join SLR, a global leader in sustainability with over 4000 employees worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salaries, comprehensive healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Work on impactful projects in ecology while collaborating with diverse professionals in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: 4+ years of experience in ecology, project management, and relevant licences required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
SLR has a great opportunity for a Senior Ecologist to join our fast-growing, expert team in Southampton.
It’s an exciting time within SLR’s Ecology team. The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together 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. We’re proud of our strong working relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage.
The ecology team works alongside several other environmental professionals within the organisation, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects and engineers.
The role
Project work will be varied, and there will be a strong focus on renewable energy, infrastructure and residential schemes as well as other commercial development projects. Project work will be within Wales and the South West and occasional further afield within the UK.
- Managing ecological projects (commensurate with experience), assisting team leads with managing resource allocation and financial budgets, addressing any client feedback and ensuring effective communications on all projects
- Producing and overseeing the production of ecological appraisals, reports, licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, EPS licences and other similar documents
- Mentoring junior team members
- Carrying out ecological surveys, where necessary, and checking that surveys are being carried out to the required standards by all staff
- Assist the team leads with the preparation of fee proposals
About us
SLR are global leaders in Sustainability Solutions, helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 4,000 employees across 6 regions in over 125 countries. Our ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.
Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 day’s annual leave, with additional flexible bank holidays, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, with family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and home life.
About you
- A good level of both academic and professional qualifications in ecology or a related discipline
- Experience of managing ecological projects to completion and reporting to the standards required by planning authorities, Natural Resources Wales and other similar bodies
- Experience of making licence applications and holds at least 1 Protected Species licence. A bat licence would be advantageous
- Experience of preparing a wide range of technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, ES Chapters, Habitat Regulations Assessments and other technical reports
- Experience of applying for Natural Resources Wales/Natural England mitigation licences
- Good knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance.
- Qualifying Member’ status, or higher, of CIEEM
- A full UK driving licence essential and access to own car is essential
Culture & Inclusion at SLR
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.
Senior Ecologist employer: SLR Consulting
SLR is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a structured career framework, employees are empowered to achieve their personal and professional goals while contributing to meaningful environmental projects across the UK. The inclusive environment fosters diversity and ensures that all team members can thrive, making SLR a rewarding place to build a career in ecology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the ecology field, especially those who work at SLR or Wardell Armstrong. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with current employees and gain insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific ecological projects that SLR and Wardell Armstrong are involved in, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of their work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with ecological appraisals and technical reports in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed projects and addressed client feedback, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to professional development by mentioning any relevant certifications or memberships, such as CIEEM. Highlighting your ongoing learning will align with SLR's values of collaboration and support for career growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in ecology, particularly any project management roles and specific ecological surveys you've conducted. Emphasise your qualifications and any protected species licences you hold.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for ecology and sustainability. Mention your experience with ecological appraisals and your familiarity with UK and European legislation. Be sure to explain why you want to work with SLR and how you can contribute to their projects.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:When detailing your experience, include specific examples of technical reports you've prepared, such as Ecological Impact Assessments or Habitats Regulations Assessments. This will demonstrate your capability to meet the standards required by planning authorities.
Highlight Team Collaboration:Since the role involves mentoring junior team members and collaborating with other environmental professionals, mention any previous experiences where you worked in a team setting. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and manage resources.
How to prepare for a job interview at SLR Consulting
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As a Senior Ecologist, you'll be managing various ecological projects. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in project management, including how you handled resource allocation and client feedback. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead projects to completion.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Familiarise yourself with the types of reports and assessments mentioned in the job description, such as Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessments. Be ready to discuss your experience in preparing these documents and any relevant licences you hold, particularly if you have a bat licence.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Knowledge of UK and European legislation is crucial for this role. Brush up on relevant policies and guidance, especially those related to Natural England and Natural Resources Wales. Being able to articulate your understanding of these regulations will show your preparedness for the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The role involves working alongside various environmental professionals. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other disciplines in past roles. This will highlight your ability to work within a team-oriented environment, which is a key aspect of the company culture.
