Graduate Ecologist (Environmental) in Exeter

Our national success in securing major Water Company frameworks has ignited explosive growth within our ecology team. As a graduate ecologist, your daily work will be dynamic and varied, balancing hands‑on fieldwork with office‑based analysis and reporting. The team provides essential ecological support across a wide range of water industry projects—from storm overflows and pipelines to major reservoir schemes—encompassing both engineered infrastructure and nature‑based solutions such as constructed wetlands.

Your core responsibilities:

• Conducting a range of site surveys, including habitat classification (e.g., UKHab) and targeted protected species assessments.
• Exploring, mapping, and evaluating both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems impacted by water infrastructure projects.
• Producing high‑quality technical documentation, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and detailed protected species survey reports.
• Assisting in the preparation of comprehensive Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations.
• Supporting the ecological design and implementation of nature‑based solutions, such as wetlands and sustainable drainage features.
• Collaborating closely with water engineers, environmental planners, and clients to integrate ecological mitigation into project designs.

We are committed to supporting employees in achieving relevant professional qualifications and accreditation. We will provide a structured professional progression plan supporting you to achieve qualifying/full membership and future chartership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Your Impact:

In this role, you will be at the forefront of delivering innovative, sustainable environmental solutions across the UK water sector. Supporting critical infrastructure and nature‑based schemes—such as storm overflow reductions, pipeline renewals, and wetland creation—your work will directly safeguard biodiversity and enhance natural habitats. Working alongside senior specialists, your daily efforts will help water industry clients achieve their environmental obligations, deliver Biodiversity Net Gain, and create resilient ecosystems that benefit local communities.

Please note, we ask our graduates to come into the office 4 days per week, to ensure that you receive sufficient time with your team and receive the appropriate level of support. Applicants must have an unconditional right to live and work in the UK for an indefinite period without limitation.

About Stantec:

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn't exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made, then please contact careers.UK@stantec.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

Benefits and contract:

• A competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• A range of benefits, including holiday buy and sell, group income protection and life assurance
• Permanent employment contract to demonstrate your long‑term career at Stantec