Senior Ecologist (Water Industry)

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!

SES is an established ecological consultancy with specialist services across terrestrial ecology, aquatic ecology, habitat restoration, UKHab, BNG assessments, and protected species licensing. As part of the RSK Group, we work at the interface of nature conservation, infrastructure development, and environmental innovation.

We’ve built a strong track record delivering ecological solutions for water utility companies, regulatory authorities, engineering consultancies, and landowners. Our work spans catchment-wide biodiversity assessments, habitat enhancement delivery, river corridor assessments, and protected species mitigation linked to water infrastructure schemes.

The role: Southern Ecological Solutions (SES), part of the 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Key experience & Qualifications:

• Ideally you will have a minimum of 5 years’ consultancy experience with significant field and project management skills.
• A strong understanding of UKHab classification and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics and previous experience mentoring staff and leading field teams would be desirable.
• 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 £30,000 - £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.
• Life Assurance: Benefit from our life assurance plan to provide peace of mind.
• Pension Contributions: Receive contributions to your pension plan to support your future.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: Start with 20 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 28 days.
• 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 and rapid progression for ambitious candidates.

RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.