Senior Ecologist in Leeds

Tetra Tech is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join our high‑performing ecology team delivering technically robust, commercially aware solutions across renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects throughout the UK.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As Senior Ecologist, you will manage a varied portfolio of ecological projects, typically 4–6 at any one time, delivering work in line with UK legislation, planning policy, and ecological best practice. You will contribute to an exciting range of projects across renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. You will play a key role in producing high‑quality ecological outputs, supporting project delivery from survey and assessment through to mitigation and stakeholder engagement. Depending on experience, the role may also include line management responsibilities and support the development of junior ecologists.

Your Impact in This Position

You will help shape the success of both regional and national ecology work by contributing technical excellence, sound judgement, and practical solutions to complex projects. Your work will directly support the delivery of major schemes and help maintain a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and sustainable outcomes. Through your input, the team will be better equipped to deliver timely, pragmatic ecological advice, secure successful project outcomes, and strengthen client relationships. You may also influence the development of future ecological talent through mentoring, support, and knowledge sharing.

Core Capabilities

• Technical Ecology Delivery: Deliver robust ecological assessments, surveys, and reports that support planning, compliance, and informed decision‑making. Apply sound ecological judgement to produce clear, practical recommendations.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects effectively, ensuring deliverables are completed on time, to a high standard, and in line with client expectations. Support fee proposals, tenders, invoicing, and project financial management.
• Innovation: Bring a forward‑thinking approach to ecology, with an interest in nature‑based design, ecological resilience, and integration with other disciplines such as landscape and hydrology. Champion best practice and knowledge sharing.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain trusted client relationships, communicate confidently with stakeholders, and represent the business as a reliable and knowledgeable ecological partner.
• Team Development & Leadership: Support the growth of junior colleagues through mentoring, training input, and guidance. Where appropriate, contribute to line management and help build a high‑performing team culture.

Qualifications & Experience

• Sound knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation relevant to the role.
• Competent in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments.
• Ability to design and complete a range of ecological surveys and interpret findings to inform robust ecological assessments.
• Experience delivering ecological mitigation, including protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) support.
• Full UK driving licence, insured for business purposes.
• Willingness to travel to sites throughout the region, with some overnight stays where required.

Beneficial Training, Qualifications or Equivalent Work Experience

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Ecology or a closely related field.
• Full CIEEM membership.
• One or more protected species survey licences, with great crested newt and bats highly desirable.
• FISC Level 4 highly desirable, but not essential.

Working Environment

This role is based across multiple England locations, including Cambridge, Oxford, Southampton, London, and Leeds. It will involve regular travel to sites throughout the region, and some overnight accommodation may be required depending on project location and workload. The position offers variety across office‑based, site‑based, and client‑facing work. It may include hybrid working and flexibility depending on project needs, team requirements, and local arrangements. The role could also involve limited line management responsibilities and contribution to team development activities.

Equal Opportunities and Accommodation

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.