Title: Senior Ecologist (with clear progression to Principal Ecologist)
Salary: £38,000 – £50,000 (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Locations: Multiple offices across Northern Ireland
Travel: Occasional travel and overnight stays across NI and ROI
The Opportunity:
An established and growing environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its multidisciplinary team. This role offers a clearly defined progression pathway to Principal Ecologist, making it ideal for candidates looking to step into technical leadership while continuing to work on varied, high-quality projects. The position is suitable for ecologists at different senior career stages (Early, Mid, or Advanced), with responsibilities aligned to experience and future ambitions.
Role Overview:
You will play a key role in delivering ecological surveys, assessments, and reports across a broad portfolio of projects, including infrastructure and development schemes. The role combines technical delivery, mentoring, project leadership, and client engagement within a supportive, forward-thinking consultancy environment.
Senior Ecologist Framework:
Early Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 5–6 years' experience)
* Lead ecological surveys across a range of habitats and protected species
* Prepare and quality-assure ecological reports and chapters (e.g. PEAs, CEMPs, Appropriate Assessments, NIS, BNG)
* Provide ecological input to planners, engineers, and project teams
* Mentor junior staff in fieldwork, reporting, and professional development
* Support tender preparation and fee proposals
* Develop client relationships and progress towards specialist licences
Mid Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 6–7 years' experience)
* Lead large-scale projects, including EIAs and major infrastructure schemes
* Quality-assure complex reports and mitigation strategies
* Deliver internal and external CPD sessions
* Manage staff across multiple survey programmes
* Represent ecology at multidisciplinary design team meetings
* Contribute to business development and long-term client relationships
Advanced Stage Senior Ecologist (c. 7–8 years' experience – Principal track)
* Act as a recognised technical expert across multiple project types
* Independently lead ecological input on major projects and regulatory submissions
* Quality-assure complex assessments (EcIA, SEA, NIS)
* Mentor staff across grades and support recruitment and training
* Assist with tender leadership and influence technical standards
* Undertake licensed works and liaise directly with regulators
Skills & Experience:
* Degree in Ecology or a closely related discipline
* Consultancy experience with protected habitats and priority species
* Strong knowledge of UK, Irish, and EU wildlife legislation
* Experience in ecological assessment and reporting, including EIAs
* Proven mentoring and staff development experience
* Excellent report writing, communication, and organisational skills
* Ability to work independently and make robust, defensible decisions
* Invasive species management experience
* Protected species licensing experience (desirable, not essential)
* Full driving licence and willingness to undertake fieldwork
* CIEEM membership is desirable but not essential.
What's on Offer:
* Competitive salary (£38k–£50k DOE)
* Clear and supported progression to Principal Ecologist
* Flexible working arrangements and extended leave options
* 25 days annual leave, increasing with service (plus public holidays)
* Private health insurance and company pension scheme
* Performance-related and biannual bonus schemes
* Paid professional memberships and training/CPD
* Support for further professional qualifications
* Cycle-to-work scheme, travel support, company vehicles, and parking
* Regular team events and a genuinely people-focused culture