Senior Ecologist – Bury St Edmunds

£38,000–£45,000 + bonus and enhanced benefits
Hybrid and flexible working

Embankment Group is recruiting an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our client’s established ecology team in Bury St Edmunds.

This is an excellent opportunity to take responsibility for a varied portfolio of ecological projects across renewable energy, infrastructure, residential, industrial and commercial development. You will work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams while supporting the development of junior ecologists.

The role

You will help lead ecological projects from the initial planning stages through to survey, assessment, reporting and delivery.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing ecological projects, programmes, budgets and deadlines
• Producing and reviewing ecological appraisals, EcIAs, HRAs, ES chapters and licence applications
• Preparing and submitting protected species and mitigation licence applications
• Planning, undertaking and overseeing ecological surveys
• Ensuring technical work is completed to the required professional standards
• Building strong relationships with clients, regulators and project stakeholders
• Supporting resource planning and project financial management
• Preparing fee proposals and contributing to new business opportunities
• Mentoring and supporting junior members of the ecology team
• Collaborating with planners, landscape architects, engineers, arboriculturists, archaeologists and other environmental specialists

The role offers a combination of office, home and site-based working, with opportunities to contribute to projects across the UK and Ireland.

About you

Our client is looking for someone with:

• Previous experience working within a UK ecological consultancy
• A degree in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline
• Experience managing ecological projects from inception through to completion
• Strong knowledge of UK and European ecological legislation, policy and guidance
• Experience producing technical reports, including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs and ES chapters
• Experience working with planning authorities, statutory consultees and regulatory bodies
• Experience preparing protected species and mitigation licence applications
• At least one protected species survey licence, with a bat licence particularly desirable
• Qualifying membership of CIEEM or above
• Strong project management, technical writing and stakeholder engagement skills
• The ability to mentor and support less experienced colleagues
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Salary and benefits

The role offers a salary of £38,000–£45,000, depending on experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Discretionary annual bonus
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Life, income protection and travel insurance
• Salary sacrifice car leasing scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• 25 days’ annual leave
• Flexible public holidays
• Options to buy or sell annual leave
• Hybrid, agile and flexible working
• Core working hours
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Workplace nursery benefit
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental health, stress and menopause support
• Paid volunteering and community initiatives
• Structured career progression and regular development reviews
• Support towards chartership, professional qualifications and protected species licences
• Opportunities for sabbaticals and temporary overseas working

This position would suit a Senior Ecologist looking for greater project ownership, varied technical work and a supportive environment with clear opportunities for progression.