Principal Ecologist in Henfield

Biodiversity is no longer a box to tick on an infrastructure project. It is a central part of how the best work gets designed, delivered and measured. At Stantec, our Ecology Team approaches it that way, combining scientific rigour with genuine innovation to deliver outcomes that make a real difference to the natural environment.

We are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join a growing team that is ambitious, collaborative and deeply committed to doing ecology well. If you are ready to take on more complex work, grow your career and be part of something that is genuinely building towards a better natural environment, this could be exactly the right move.

You will work closely with our Principal Ecologist across a varied portfolio of projects spanning multiple sectors, with strong links to our existing water utility partnerships and an active pipeline of new opportunities. Day to day, your work will span the full range of ecological consultancy: conducting surveys and assessments, designing and implementing mitigation and enhancement measures, applying for and obtaining protected species licences, and contributing ecological input to multidisciplinary project teams alongside planning, engineering and design colleagues.

As a senior member of the team, you will also play an important role in mentoring junior ecologists, helping them develop the skills and confidence to take on more complex work of their own. You will have real autonomy in how you approach your work, with the backing of an experienced team and access to training and networking opportunities that support your continued professional growth.

The projects you work on here will shape how biodiversity is considered, protected and enhanced across some of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes. Your ecological assessments, mitigation strategies and species licences will translate directly into better outcomes for habitats and wildlife that cannot advocate for themselves.

Beyond the projects, your influence will be felt in the team around you. By mentoring junior colleagues and helping to build a culture of technical curiosity and high standards, you will leave a mark that lasts well beyond any individual survey or report.

You hold a minimum BSc in Ecology or a related environmental discipline, and you bring solid consultancy experience alongside a thorough understanding of UK and EU wildlife legislation and policy. You are skilled in preparing PEAs, ECIAs and ecological chapters, contributing to HRAs, and working confidently with UKHab classification and the Defra Biodiversity Metric.

You hold a protected species survey licence for at least one species, such as great crested newts or bats, and you have experience with the protected species licensing process. You are equally comfortable managing projects, budgets and client relationships as you are out in the field, and you bring the communication and leadership skills that make teams work well together.

Membership of CIEEM or IEMA and proven line management experience would be a welcome addition, though not essential. If you are ready to take on complex ecological work and make a genuine impact, we would very much like to hear from you.

• We put people first: We're proud of our friendly, inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and driven to succeed.
• We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies in 2025. Named 'Best Place to Work' and 'International Consulting Firm of the Year' at the NCE Awards 2024.
• We do what is right: Industry-leading training and development, as well as paid professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan to support you in becoming chartered with ICE.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and Early Careers peer group, and a wider ERG network.
• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard, discounted gym membership, and lots more.
• Hybrid/Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible work.

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.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

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.