The Senior Ecologist will provide expert ecological leadership across Network Rail Infrastructure, ensuring compliance with environmental legislation, planning requirements, and internal standards. Operating at a Senior level, the role demands an experienced professional with a strong track record of delivering high‑quality, pragmatic ecological advice in complex and evolving environments. The Senior Ecologist will support route and project teams from early design through to construction and operation, coordinating ecological inputs across multidisciplinary internal teams, the external supply chain, and regulatory bodies. The role requires flexibility and a willingness to travel across the relevant geographical area to engage with teams, visit sites and fulfil the responsibilities of the position.
Responsibilities
1. Lead and direct a team of Ecologists to undertake a range of railway infrastructure ecological field surveys, including protected species surveys, Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, ecological impact assessments, support the completion of biodiversity accounting and the production of habitat management plans.
2. Oversee the specialist ecological advice and guidance provided to senior leaders, project management teams, Works Delivery and Maintenance teams.
3. Lead the provision of regular project updates and deliver progress reports, including risks and issues, to the relevant project/programme management team.
4. Write clear, concise surveys, map target notes, and compile vegetation management scoping documents in line with Network Rail standards and suitable for Contracts & Procurement tendering purposes.
5. Liaise with the relevant teams on project surveys and agree appropriate mitigation strategies to comply with current legislation.
6. Direct the completion of data analysis from survey results to support the delivery of remitted works to programme.
7. Lead the liaison process for ecological compliance requirements with statutory bodies and local authorities.
8. Support the production of periodic business reporting.
9. Account for the production of environmental and ecological appraisal and recommendations reports.
Essential Qualifications
* Full/associate membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (depending on experience)
* Experience in delivering projects to a specified timescales and within agreed budget parameters
* Experience in managing teams to deliver within prescribed timescales
* Experience in interpreting and presenting gathered survey data and delivering Ecologist reports that fulfil the varied remits
* Knowledge of rail maintenance delivery process and completing rare species surveys
* Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisation skills and be a task‑oriented leader
* Full understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and best practice guidance experience
* Comprehensive field experience with the ability to identify ecological constraints during site visits
* A relevant higher degree in Ecology, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or other relevant environmental sciences
* In‑depth experience of ecologist practices within the railway environment
Desirable Qualifications
* Working knowledge of CDM Regulations
* Knowledge and experience of operational railway environment
* Knowledge of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard
* Experience attending client meetings and working with multi‑disciplinary teams
* Full UK driving licence
* A good working knowledge of Network Rail IT systems and mapping tools
* One or more protected species survey licences
Benefits
* 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
* 75% discount on rail leisure travel for you and your family
* 75% subsidised season ticket for work travel (includes Underground)
* A range of pension options
* Annual Performance‑Related Pay package
* Flexible and agile working arrangements
* Healthcare package
* Discounts on shopping
* Discounted gym memberships and much more
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail.
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