Seasonal Ecological Clerk of Works

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve.

About the division: Environmental and social considerations are central to Mott MacDonald’s Purpose and its offerings across all sectors and territories. Our environment and social business provides essential services and innovative solutions which anticipate our clients' needs across all sectors.

Overview of the role: Mott MacDonald are leading the way in Nature Services and we are looking for people to join our Ecology Team and to play their part in integrating nature into all developments so that together with our clients we can build a better future. We pride ourselves on setting and maintaining high standards and are at the forefront of providing ecological advice. We have a large portfolio of projects and a healthy forward-order book bringing with it fantastic opportunities for Ecologists at all levels. Our clients include water companies, transport, power and local authority work, with projects across the country. There are currently 160 ecologists in our Nature Services team who have a wide variety of skills and experience.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) to support the delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects across the UK. This role will play a critical part in ensuring that ecological commitments are effectively implemented during construction phases and that environmental compliance is maintained on site. You will act as the key interface between contractors, project teams, and environmental stakeholders, helping to bridge the gap between ecological design and practical delivery on the ground.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Act as the Ecological Clerk of Works on construction sites, providing on-site supervision and monitoring
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, planning conditions, and Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
• Identify ecological risks and constraints (e.g. protected species, habitats) and provide practical mitigation advice to site teams
• Supervise sensitive works, including vegetation clearance, species translocation, and habitat protection
• Undertake toolbox talks and environmental briefings for contractors
• Monitor works to ensure compliance with ecological method statements and licences
• Report findings and incidents, escalating issues where necessary and maintaining accurate site records
• Liaise with clients, regulators, and stakeholders (e.g. statutory bodies, ecological specialists)
• Support ecological data collection and contribute to reporting where required
• Promote best practice and continual improvement in environmental management on site

Candidate specification:

Essential:

• A degree in Ecology (or a directly related subject)
• Ability to communicate effectively to team members
• Experienced in ECoW
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK and flexibility to work evenings
• The role requires regular travel to remote sites, some of which are not accessible by public transport. Candidates must be able to meet this requirement
• Good decision making and organisational skills

Desirable:

• Technical specialism e.g. holds a protected species survey licences (ideally for bats, birds or dormice)
• Relevant experience in Ecological Consultancy (or equivalent with transferable skills)
• Previous experience in undertaking bat surveys and completing analysis of sound files and infrared footage
• Proficiency in report writing skills and a track record in producing ecological reports

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Agile working: At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion: We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Accessibility: We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• Financial wellbeing: We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%. Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary. Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury. Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• Employee Ownership: Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success. Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• Health and wellbeing: Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues. Health cash plan to support you with everyday health costs and treatments. Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues. A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Lifestyle: A minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• Enhanced family and carers leave: Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Learning and development: Primary annual professional institution subscription. A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.
• Networks, communities, and social outcomes: Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.

Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.