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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: Competitive salary, birthday leave, generous holiday allowance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water-related ecology projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in ecology consultancy with strong project management skills.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on collaboration and professional growth.
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? This could be the perfect opportunity for you!
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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Senior Ecologist (Water Sector) in Southampton employer: Southern Ecological Solutions (SES)
Contact Detail:
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist (Water Sector) in Southampton
✨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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work in aquatic ecology and conservation. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Senior Ecologist. We suggest rehearsing answers to common interview questions and preparing examples of your past projects that highlight your leadership and technical skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist (Water Sector) 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: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially those related to UKHab classification and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics. We’re keen on seeing how you can bring your expertise to our projects!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of 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
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to ecology, especially in the water sector. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving UKHab and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves project leadership and mentoring, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Highlight how you supported junior ecologists and ensured high standards of data integrity and ecological best practices. This will demonstrate your capability to take charge and guide others.
✨Engage with Client Relationships
Prepare to talk about your experience in building relationships with clients in the water and environmental sectors. Think of specific instances where you identified opportunities for growth or contributed to successful tenders. This will illustrate your ability to engage effectively and win work.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in complex environments. Prepare to discuss how you've approached risk and mitigation in past projects. Showing a pragmatic, solution-led mindset will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who can navigate challenges.
