Ecology Consultant

Are you an Ecologist looking to develop your technical expertise while working on exciting infrastructure and development projects? At Assystem UK, you will join a growing ecology team and have the opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of projects across the UK. You will work alongside experienced ecologists and multidisciplinary teams, providing practical ecological advice from planning and consenting through to construction and operational phases. This is an excellent opportunity for a Consultant Ecologist to broaden their project experience, develop their technical capabilities and play an important role in the continued growth of our ecology practice. The Role You will be involved in the delivery of ecological surveys, assessments and mitigation across a variety of projects, supporting clients and project teams to manage ecological risks and meet regulatory requirements. You will work closely with colleagues, clients, contractors and other environmental professionals, developing your experience across both technical delivery and project consultancy. What You Will Be Doing: Ecological Surveys & Technical Delivery - Undertake and support ecological surveys, including habitat surveys and protected species surveys. - Contribute to ecological assessments and impact evaluations for infrastructure, housing, renewable energy and development projects. - Prepare high-quality technical reports and ecological documentation. - Contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and mitigation strategies. - Support protected species mitigation and, where required, contribute to European Protected Species licence applications. - Provide practical ecological advice to project teams and clients. - Support Ecological Clerk of Works activities and monitor construction works to ensure compliance with ecological requirements, wildlife legislation and licence conditions. - Assist with investigating ecological incidents and identifying appropriate mitigation and risk management measures. - Deliver ecological briefings and toolbox talks to site teams where appropriate. Project & Client Support - Work as part of multidisciplinary project teams across a range of major infrastructure and development schemes. - Develop positive working relationships with clients, contractors, regulators and other project stakeholders. - Support the delivery of projects to agreed programmes, budgets and quality standards. - Contribute to project meetings, site visits and client discussions. - Take increasing responsibility for your own project delivery and technical development. Team & Practice Development - Work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider ecology and environmental teams. - Support and share knowledge with junior colleagues where appropriate. - Contribute to the development of technical standards, processes and best practice. - Support recruitment, business development and work-winning activities as your experience develops. - Contribute to the continued growth and development of Assystem's ecology practice. You will have a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline, alongside relevant experience within an ecological consultancy or environmental organisation. You will also bring: - Experience undertaking ecological surveys and assessments. - Good knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological best practice. - Experience of working on development, infrastructure, construction, energy or other relevant projects. - Experience contributing to ecological reports and assessments. - Understanding of EIA, HRA and/or Biodiversity Net Gain. - Experience with protected species surveys and mitigation. - Strong written and verbal communication skills. - The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. - A proactive approach to managing your workload and delivering high-quality work. - A willingness to develop your technical and consultancy skills. - Membership of CIEEM, or a commitment to working towards professional membership. - A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites. Desirable Experience It would be advantageous if you have: - Experience working as an Ecological Clerk of Works on infrastructure or construction projects. - Experience undertaking BNG assessments and UKHab habitat classification. - One or more protected species licences. - Experience working on major infrastructure, energy or development projects. - Experience working with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams. - A developing professional network within the ecology or infrastructure sectors. If you are looking for your next opportunity to develop your ecological consultancy career while working on exciting and nationally significant projects, this is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team at Assystem. You will have the opportunity to build your technical experience, work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to projects that are helping shape a more sustainable future.