Overview

Lead Ecological Excellence in One of the UK’s Most Influential Environmental Roles

A rare opening for an exceptional ecologist to step into a position of influence, shaping the future of one of the UK’s most biodiverse and strategically important landscapes. As a senior member of INCA (Industry Nature Conservation Association), you’ll work at the highest level where ecology, industry, and policy intersect. Based on Teesside and operating across the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, you’ll help guide ecological outcomes in a region undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades – from Net Zero ambitions to a major transition into renewable and secure energy.

About us

For over 30 years, INCA has been the trusted ecological advisor to local industry, regulators, and environmental bodies. Our remit covers internationally significant SPA bird sites, SSSI saltmarshes, ancient woodlands, intertidal mudflats, dune systems, species-rich meadows, and rare open mosaic habitats – all within a dynamic estuarine and coastal environment.

Your role

• Provide strategic ecological leadership across complex, high-profile projects
• Advise senior industry, regulatory, and conservation stakeholders
• Lead Habitat Regulations Assessments, UK Habitats Classification as part of BNG, and the management of designated sites legislation
• Represent INCA at the highest levels, influencing regional ecological policy and best practice
• Mentor and develop the next generation of ecologists within our team

What we offer

• Highly competitive salary (£45k–£55k+, commensurate with experience)
• Exceptional benefits: generous pension scheme, private healthcare, paid professional memberships, and up to 30+ days holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexible hybrid working, enabling both strategic focus and field engagement
• The prestige of working alongside and being recognised in one of the most experienced ecological teams in the region
• A platform to shape nationally significant environmental outcomes in partnership with industry leaders and conservation authorities

If you’re an accomplished ecologist seeking a role with genuine influence, job satisfaction, and the chance to make a lasting mark for both landscapes and species, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject
• At least five years’ experience as a professional ecological consultant
• Good ecological field skills covering a range of protected species and habitats, including UK Hab
• Experience of undertaking Ecological impact assessments, biodiversity net gain and Habitat regulations assessments
• A sound understanding of the legislative and planning policy framework as it relates to ecology and nature conservation issues
• The ability to write concise, high quality, technical reports in line with CIEEM guidelines
• Experience of writing fee proposals, project management and client liaison
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Full clean driving licence
• Master’s degree in a relevant subject
• Associate membership of CIEEM (or higher) and a willingness to work towards Full membership
• Good working knowledge of QGIS
• BSBI FISC (Level 3 or above)
• Natural England protected species licences