At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and deliver high-quality assessments in the water sector.
- Company: Join Southern Ecological Solutions, a trusted consultancy with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, hybrid working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Mentor junior ecologists and contribute to innovative ecological solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental sustainability while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of consultancy experience in ecology and project management skills.
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 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 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’ve built a reputation for delivering pragmatic, innovative solutions to clients ranging from global corporations to private homeowners. You’ll have the opportunity to advance your career while contributing to environmentally sustainable growth.
Key Experience & Qualifications
Ideally you will have a minimum of 5 years’ consultancy experience with significant field and project management skills, leadership delivering ecology services on water, wetland, or aquatic habitat projects, understanding of UKHab classification and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics, and experience mentoring staff and leading field teams. 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 experience with protected species.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to field locations.
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:
- Birthday Leave: 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.
- Hybrid working: Flexible working from home, site and the office with flexible working hours.
- Private Medical Insurance: Access private medical insurance.
- Flexible Benefits Programme: Tailor your benefits with options to buy additional holidays, health cash plans, and discounted gym memberships.
- Targeted CPD plan: Support and rapid progression for ambitious candidates. Professional membership fees covered by the company.
Equal Opportunity
RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Senior Ecologist in Southampton employer: Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering flexible hybrid working options and a strong focus on career progression. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, targeted professional development plans, and unique perks like birthday leave and private medical insurance, making it an ideal place for ecologists looking to make a meaningful impact in the water sector.
Contact Detail:
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the ecology and water sectors. 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
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements in ecology. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This will set you apart from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in managing ecological projects and your approach to client engagement. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise in ecology. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at SES!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Ecologist role. Highlight your experience in the water industry and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re keen on your technical credentials, so don’t hold back! Include details about your experience with UKHab, BNG, and any other relevant assessments. This will help us see your expertise in action.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Brush up on your technical knowledge related to ecology, especially in the water sector. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving ecological surveys and impact assessments. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Ecologist, you'll be expected to lead projects and mentor junior staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships with clients and how you've contributed to project success through effective leadership.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with Southern Ecological Solutions' mission and values. They value collaboration, technical excellence, and career progression. During the interview, align your answers to reflect these values, demonstrating how you can contribute to their inclusive and dynamic culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Think about scenarios where you've had to deliver pragmatic solutions in ecological projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
