Join to apply for the Senior / Principal Ecologist role at ESI Limited, now part of Stantec.

Reading, GBR

Overview

We seek experienced and enthusiastic Senior / Principal Ecologists to join our growing, award-winning Ecology team, delivering positive biodiversity outcomes and Biodiversity Net Gain for projects across the UK. Ideal locations are Reading or Bristol, with opportunities for Warrington and Edinburgh. We can be flexible in one of Stantec’s other offices across the UK for the right candidate.

Our projects range in scale across strategic and regeneration residential schemes, energy and resources projects, transport and nationally significant infrastructure projects. You will provide valued ecological consultancy advice to clients, helping shape outcomes and maximise biodiversity opportunities on development projects. You’ll consult with external stakeholders, work within licensing processes, and play a key part in large-scale habitat restoration projects. You’ll influence conservation and enhancement of habitats and species through well-thought-out management plans. The role is to deliver and oversee ecological mitigation and benefits for developments, undertake skilled technical reporting, and provide trusted, evidence-based ecological advice to colleagues and clients. You’ll also manage the delivery of ecological fieldwork surveys by our network of ecologists.

We’re a collaborative, supportive, forward-thinking team that values integrity, curiosity, and shared success. You’ll be part of a culture that empowers you to grow, contribute meaningfully, and shape your role to align with your strengths and interests.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and oversee ecological mitigation and biodiversity benefits for developments
• Undertake skilled technical reporting and provide evidence-based ecological advice
• Manage the delivery of ecological fieldwork surveys through a network of ecologists
• Consult with external stakeholders, work within licensing processes, and contribute to habitat restoration projects
• Prepare management plans to conserve and enhance habitats and species

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or related environmental discipline
• Full membership of CIEEM or working towards full membership
• Strong working knowledge of UK ecology, legislation and the UK planning system
• Proven experience in a professional ecological consultancy and track record on complex ecological projects
• Creative and strategic thinking for solving ecological challenges
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in compiling fee proposals and managing project budgets
• Familiarity with UK Hab classification and the BNG Defra Metric and reporting requirements
• Experience in assessments such as PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements

Desirable

• Broad understanding of terrestrial ecological issues
• Working towards Chartership (CEnv or CEcol)
• Experience in developing off-site BNG solutions and sourcing Biodiversity Units
• Understanding of natural capital and ecosystem services
• One or more protected species licences

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 32,000 employees across 450 locations on 6 continents. We have worked with clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years, delivering development and infrastructure to support sustainable, healthy communities. We translate clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans and efficient designs based on technical excellence and deep market insights.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We are committed to accessible recruitment and adjustments if needed. For support, contact careers.uk@stantec.com.