We are a small, friendly consultancy with offices in Leeds and Bolsover, and we have been steadily growing since 2019. Most of our work is based in the north of England, although we have projects across the UK that keep our workload interesting and varied. As our portfolio continues to expand, we are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our team. Ideally you will be based at our Leeds office, though we are open to considering our Bolsover base for the right candidate.
If you want to work in a team where quality, collaboration and professional growth are genuinely valued, this is an opportunity to do exactly that.
The role
You will take the lead on a range of ecological projects, from small schemes to larger multi layered developments. You will manage project timelines, budgets and client communication, ensuring that everything is delivered to a high standard.
You will also help us write proposals, lead surveys, contribute to technical reports, guide mitigation strategies and provide mentoring and support to junior colleagues. Fieldwork is an important part of what we do, especially during peak season, so you will need to be comfortable with flexible and sometimes unsociable hours from April to September.
Key responsibilities
- Managing small and large projects, ensuring high quality outputs that meet deadlines
- Liaising with clients, regulators and stakeholders to build strong working relationships
- Preparing and securing tenders and fee proposals
- Leading and designing habitat and protected species surveys
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members
- Writing and quality assuring reports including PEAs, EcIAs, BNG assessments, HRA reports and other technical deliverables
- Providing informed advice on the planning system, policy and legislation
- Identifying and developing innovative, practical solutions when challenges arise
- Working flexibly, including evenings and early mornings during survey season
About you
Essential
- At least four years consultancy experience
- Degree in ecology or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Full, clean UK driving licence with business use insurance and access to your own transport
- Strong working knowledge of the planning system and wildlife legislation
- CIEEM Associate Membership or above, ideally working towards Full Membership
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven project management experience
- Experience leading protected species or habitat surveys
- Strong report writing skills, including PEAs, EcIAs, Environmental Statement chapters and BNG assessments
- Holder of at least one protected species survey licence, or equivalent specialist expertise such as badgers, bats including tree climbing, botany or ornithology
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Flexible approach to working hours and travel
- Organised, proactive, motivated and detail focused
Desirable
- A mitigation licence, such as a Bat Mitigation Class Licence
- Experience with QGIS, QFIELD or similar GIS tools
- Experience designing and implementing mitigation
Working pattern and survey expectations
Summer is always busy for us, and everyone pitches in to deliver surveys. We offer flexible working, and you will receive paid overtime or TOIL for any survey work completed above your contracted hours. You will need to be available for at least one evening per week between April and September.
What we offer
Our people are the core of our consultancy. We want everyone to feel supported, fulfilled and part of a team that values them. Benefits include:
- Flexible working
- Funded CPD and active support for your professional development
- Paid professional memberships and relevant licence fees
- Paid overtime or TOIL
- Employer pension contributions
- Annual leave entitlement
- Discretionary performance bonus
- Company funded social events
- Christmas shutdown
How to apply
Send your CV and a covering letter to info@futuresecology.com and include CAREERS in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you.