Senior/lead Ecologist

Roles and responsibilities

• Lead and deliver ecological assessments for rail infrastructure projects.
• Manage and coordinate ecological surveys, including protected species and habitat assessments
• Provide expert ecological advice to project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure legal and environmental compliance
• Prepare and review technical reports, including PEAs, EcIAs, HRA screenings, and method statements
• Support the development and implementation of mitigation, compensation, and enhancement measures.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies, stakeholders, and statutory authorities (e.g Natural England, local planning authorities).
• Oversee Junior Ecologists, providing mentoring, technical guidance, and quality assurance.
• Contribute to project programming, risk management, and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental legislation, rail standards and best practice guidance.

Essential Skills

• Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline.
• Significant experience working as an ecologist, including a senior or lead role on infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK environmental and wildlife legislation
• Proven experience delivering Ecological Impact Assessments and related reports.
• Proven experience working with Network Rail
• Experience with protected species surveys and mitigation (e.g Bats, Great crested newts, badgers)
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desired Skills

• Experience working with specifically within the rail or wider transport infrastructure sector
• Membership of a professional body (e.g CIEEM), or working towards a Chartered Ecologist status
• Protected species survey licences (Bats,Otters,Newts,Badgers…)
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff