Location
Milton Keynes, GB
Department Name
OY Route PWAY Engineer WCMLS (542911) G2
About Network Rail
Network Rail operates and maintains the railway infrastructure 24/7, 365 days a year. Our purpose is to connect people and goods with where they need to be and our vision is for a simpler, better, greener railway. We are proud to be named as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equity for the fourth year running.
West Coast South: Keeping Britain Moving
Stretching from Crewe to London Euston, West Coast South is part of Europe’s busiest mixed‑use railway – moving millions of passengers and 10% of the UK’s freight each year. With over 1,000 miles of track and 64 stations, it is a vital link between major cities and local communities.
As part of the North West & Central region, we serve 1.3 million passengers daily and move 700,000 tonnes of freight weekly – covering a quarter of the national network. We’re focused on delivering safe, reliable journeys and building a better railway, while championing diversity and inclusion. Flexible and hybrid working is supported where appropriate.
Brief Description
Your role as a Senior Ecologist is to lead the provision of ecological expertise within our West Coast Route team. You will provide support and guidance to integrate the Network Rail Environment Policy and environment management systems to deliver legislative compliant projects and to contribute to continuous improvement in environment and ecological management.
About The Role
Every day will be different, but you can expect to be involved in the following activities:
Responsibilities
As Senior Ecologist, you will lead on a wide range of ecological activities across railway infrastructure projects. This will include:
* Overseeing protected species surveys, Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, ecological impact assessments, biodiversity accounting, and the development of habitat management plans, ensuring all work is completed to a high technical and professional standard.
* Providing expert ecological advice and guidance to senior leaders, project managers, Works Delivery and Maintenance teams, playing a pivotal role in shaping environmentally compliant project outcomes.
* Leading engagement with statutory bodies and local authorities to ensure ecological compliance, and working closely with the Environmental Specialist team to agree appropriate strategies in line with current legislation.
* Reporting on projects, providing regular updates, progress reports, and clear visibility of risks and issues to programme and project management teams.
* Supporting the production of habitat management strategy and plans, periodic business reporting, and ensuring delivery of remitted works remains on programme.
* Managing and delivering high‑quality environmental and ecological appraisal reports and recommendations.
* Advising on survey reports, documentation aligned with relevant Network Rail standards, and supporting contracts and procurement tendering processes.
Qualifications
* Full/associate/graduate membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (depending on experience).
* Experience delivering projects to specified timescales and within agreed budget parameters.
* Experience managing teams to deliver within prescribed timescales.
* Experience 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 organisational skills, and a task‑orientated leader.
* Full understanding of UK and European wildlife legislation and best practice guidance experience.
* Comprehensive field experience with 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 – essential.
Additional Preferences
* 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.
Salary and Benefits
* Salary: £46,701 – £55,411.
* Pro‑rated annual leave entitlement (28 days).
* Discounted online shopping and other benefits such as childcare vouchers, healthcare offers, cycle‑to‑work, healthcare club membership.
* Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets.
* 75% discount on leisure travel (discretionary).
* A choice of contributory pension schemes.
* 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks. Network Rail adheres to a structured pay framework; any salary offered will be within the advertised range.
Equal Opportunities
We are a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applicants with disabilities. We will endeavour to offer a diverse interview panel wherever possible. Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail.
Closing Date
Closing date: 8 May 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
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