Overview

Join to apply for the Senior / Principal Ecologist role at Stantec

The Opportunity: Are you passionate about biodiversity, nature-based solutions and sustainable development? Are you looking for opportunities to work on interesting projects? Do you want to take your career to the next level in ecological consultancy?

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 various interesting projects across the UK. Ideal locations are Reading or Bristol, with opportunities for the right candidates in Warrington and Edinburgh. We can, however, be flexible in one of Stantec’s other offices across the UK for the right candidate.

What you will do

• Deliver and oversee ecological mitigation and benefits for various developments, undertake skilled technical reporting, and provide trusted, evidence-based ecological advice to colleagues and clients.
• Manage the delivery of ecological fieldwork surveys by our network of ecologists.
• Contribute to external stakeholder consultation, work within licensing processes, and play a key part in large-scale habitat restoration projects.
• Influence the conservation and enhancement of habitats and species through preparing well-thought-out management plans.
• Provide valued ecological consultancy advice to clients, helping shape outcomes and maximise biodiversity opportunities on development projects.
• Work at the heart of multidisciplinary project teams and support career development within a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ecological mitigation and biodiversity benefits for developments
• Prepare and review technical ecological reports
• Lead and coordinate ecological field surveys
• Engage with clients and stakeholders and support licensing processes
• Contribute to habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement projects
• Mentor junior staff and align work with strengths and interests

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a 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 within a professional ecological consultancy, with a track record of working on complex ecological projects through planning or delivery
• Ability to think creatively and strategically in solving ecological challenges
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in compiling fee proposals and managing project budgets
• Familiarity with UKHab classification and the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Defra Metric and associated reporting requirements
• Demonstrable skills and experience in assessments, including 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
• Experience in protected species licences

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 32,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights.

Equal opportunity

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit 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 prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success.

How to apply

If you are excited by this role and would like to join our team, follow the link to apply today.