At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological assessments and coordinate environmental projects for major infrastructure.
- Company: Join Ryan Hanley, part of Stantec, a dynamic company with a strong industry reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and flexible office locations.
- Other info: Experience in large-scale projects and client management is a plus.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects shaping Ireland's ecological future in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in ecology, relevant degree, and CIEEM membership required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
The Opportunity Are you passionate about biodiversity, nature-based solutions and sustainable development? Are you looking for opportunities to work on interesting projects? Do you want to take your career to the next level in ecological consultancy? We seek experienced and enthusiastic Senior / Principal Ecologists to join our growing, award-winning Ecology team, delivering positive biodiversity outcomes and Biodiversity Net Gain for various interesting projects across the UK. Ideal locations are Reading or Bristol, with opportunities for the right candidates in Warrington and Edinburgh. We can, however, be flexible in one of Stantec’s other offices across the UK for the right candidate.
Our projects range in scale across strategic and regeneration residential schemes, energy and resources projects, transport and nationally significant infrastructure projects. These roles present a fantastic opportunity to progress your career in ecological consultancy, working at the heart of our multidisciplinary project teams. You will provide valued ecological consultancy advice to our clients, helping to shape outcomes and maximise biodiversity opportunities on development projects. You’ll also consult with external stakeholders, work within the licensing processes and play a key part in large-scale habitat restoration projects. You’ll also influence the conservation and enhancement of habitats and species through preparing well-thought-out management plans. The role is to deliver and oversee ecological mitigation and benefits for various developments, undertake skilled technical reporting, and provide trusted, evidence-based ecological advice to colleagues and clients. Additionally, you’ll manage the delivery of ecological fieldwork surveys by our network of ecologists.
We’re a collaborative, supportive, forward-thinking team that values integrity, curiosity, and shared success. You’ll be part of a culture that empowers you to grow, contribute meaningfully, and shape your role to align with your strengths and interests.
Responsibilities
The role involves delivering and overseeing ecological mitigation and biodiversity benefits for developments, undertaking skilled technical reporting, and providing trusted, evidence-based ecological advice to colleagues and clients. You will manage the delivery of ecological fieldwork surveys through our network of ecologists, consult with external stakeholders, participate in licensing processes, and contribute to large-scale habitat restoration projects. You will also influence conservation and enhancement of habitats and species through preparing management plans, and participate in shaping project outcomes to maximise biodiversity opportunities on development schemes.
About You
- Relevant degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related environmental discipline
- Full membership of CIEEM or working towards full membership
- Strong working knowledge of UK ecology, legislation and the UK planning system
- Proven experience within a professional ecological consultancy, with a track record of working on complex ecological projects through planning or delivery
- Ability to think creatively and strategically in solving ecological challenges
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience in compiling fee proposals and managing project budgets
- Familiarity of UKHab classification and the BNG Defra Metric and associated reporting requirements
- Demonstrable skills and experience in assessments, including PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements
Desirable
- Broad understanding of terrestrial ecological issues
- Working towards Chartership (CEnv or CEcol)
- Experience in developing off-site BNG solutions and sourcing Biodiversity Units
- Understanding of natural capital and ecosystem services
- One or more protected species licences
- Experience in protected species licences
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.
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 [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
Senior / Principal Ecologist employer: Stantec
Ryan Hanley, now part of Stantec, is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, offering competitive salaries and benefits alongside ample opportunities for professional growth. With flexible office locations in Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Castlebar, employees are engaged in impactful projects that shape Ireland's ecological infrastructure, all while being part of a dynamic team that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the ecology and environmental consultancy fields. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about job openings that may not be advertised widely.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) by discussing specific projects you've worked on during interviews. Be prepared to explain your role in coordinating these assessments and how you managed multidisciplinary teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and guidelines related to ecological assessments in Ireland. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership and project management skills, especially in relation to large-scale infrastructure projects. Highlight any experience you have in managing client relationships and delivering successful outcomes.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in ecology, particularly in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and statutory consent applications. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that outlines your passion for ecology and your experience with large-scale infrastructure projects. Mention your familiarity with the consent and licensing frameworks in Ireland, as well as your technical report writing skills.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly state your educational background, including your Level 8 degree and any postgraduate qualifications. If you are a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), be sure to mention this as it is a key requirement.
Showcase Project Management Experience:Emphasise your project management and leadership skills in your application. Provide examples of how you have coordinated multidisciplinary teams and managed client relationships in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in ecology, particularly your work on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and statutory consent applications. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and the roles you played in them.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your technical knowledge related to ecological assessments, such as Ecological Impact Assessment and Habitats Directive Appropriate Assessment. Be ready to answer questions that test your understanding of these concepts and how they apply to infrastructure projects.
✨Prepare for Team Coordination Questions
Since the role involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, think of examples where you've successfully managed team dynamics or collaborated with clients and contractors. This will show your ability to lead and work effectively within a team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's projects, culture, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if the company aligns with your career aspirations and values.
