Ecological Consultant (with Botany skills) - Manchester or Leeds in Altrincham

We are looking for an Ecological Consultant to join our dynamic and busy terrestrial ecology team in Manchester or Leeds. We are especially keen to hear from candidates with botany skills. As an Ecological Consultant at Thomson, your role will be varied — you will spend plenty of time out on site as well as working on reporting, client communication, project management and delivery. Travel and overnight stays are often part of the job, particularly during peak survey season, so this role would suit someone who enjoys being out and about and working across a range of locations.

In your first few months, you will be getting to know our ways of working, supporting project delivery through surveys and reporting, and working closely with your line manager. As you settle in, success in the role will look like:

• Delivering high-quality field surveys safely, efficiently and in line with best practice and relevant legislation.
• Producing clear, accurate and well-structured reports that meet both client needs and technical standards.
• Managing your workload confidently, keeping projects moving and communicating progress.
• Building strong working relationships with your Thomson colleagues and clients.
• Working towards your career goals, with support from your manager to develop both your technical expertise and consultancy skills.
• Contributing to a positive team culture, sharing knowledge, supporting others during busy periods and being willing to learn.
• Helping identify opportunities to improve our service and deliver great outcomes for both nature and our clients.

Requirements:

• Proven previous experience in a similar role, ideally within a commercial consultancy.
• Strong field skills in one or more specialist areas.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and survey best practices.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise reports.
• A positive attitude and a strong desire to develop and succeed.
• A valid driving licence and vehicle, that can be insured for business use.
• The ability and willingness to travel and stay away at survey sites in various locations around the UK.
• To be located within 1 hour's commute from our Manchester office (based in Altrincham) or Leeds office.
• A degree or postgraduate degree in ecology or a closely related subject.
• Membership to the Chartered Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.

It would be advantageous if you also had the following:

• Experience of project management, including forming and issuing quotes to clients.
• One or more protected species licences (e.g., GCN, bat or dormouse).
• Ornithological skills.
• Botany skills.

Location and conditions:

Travel and overnight stays are often part of the job, particularly during peak survey season. You should be comfortable working across a range of locations in the UK. The role is based from our Manchester (Altrincham) or Leeds offices.

About Thomson:

Our core purpose is to enable nature and business to thrive together. Our brand mission is to be chosen by clients as their preferred specialists and regarded by people in our industry as the company to work for. We aim to be the most innovative, pragmatic and fast-growing environmental consultancy in the UK. With offices across the UK, our experts deliver a range of environmental services and ecological contracting, including terrestrial ecology, freshwater ecology, hydrology, marine laboratory work, arboricultural services, GIS and environmental impact assessments.

Interview process:

Once you have submitted your CV and Cover Letter, we will review your application and, if you are shortlisted, invite you to attend an interview over Microsoft Teams. You will meet with the Manchester Team Lead and another member of our Terrestrial Ecology team. The interview is a two-way conversation to understand your skills and expectations. There may also be an in-person office visit to meet your potential team and tour the site.

Salary and benefits:

Salary: From £29,000 depending on experience and skillset. We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer a flexible, supportive environment with opportunities for training and development. Benefits include 25 days annual leave, healthcare cash plan, pension, life insurance, gym membership discounts, professional memberships, clothing allowance, awards for performance, long service awards, free parking and regular local and company social events.