Ecologist – Rail Infrastructure Salary: TO £40,000 DOE Location: Essex / Kent / South East (home & field-based) Contract: Permanent | Full-time (40 hrs, Mon–Fri) We are a specialist provider of environmental and infrastructure services to the UK rail industry, delivering holistic vegetation and biodiversity management across high-profile contracts, including the Channel Tunnel, HS2, and other Mainlines in partnership with Network Rail. Unlike our competitors, we don’t just maintain or strip back – we improve. From introducing living snow fences to pioneering biodiversity solutions, we are shaping the future of sustainable rail environments. The Role: We are looking for a motivated and independent Ecologist to join our busy Environmental Team. This is a solo role offering significant autonomy and exposure across the full national footprint of the business, with a focus in Kent, Essex, Sussex and East Anglia. Reporting to our Environmental Manager, you’ll split your time between: Fieldwork (50%) – site surveys, assessments, biodiversity scoring. Desktop studies (50%) – report writing, habitat plans, compliance work. Occasional office visits to our HQ in Essex. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with at least two years’ experience who is keen to develop into a Principal Ecologist, with the prospect of leading a team and your salary increasing as you progress. What You’ll Do Conduct ecological surveys, assessments, and biodiversity scoring across rail infrastructure projects. Prepare high-quality ecological reports, habitat management plans, and compliance documentation. Support the delivery of Network Rail’s biodiversity targets (net zero by 2026, 10% biodiversity gain by 2035). Provide practical ecological advice to project teams and clients. Drive innovation in biodiversity enhancement, from desktop studies to field solutions. Communicate effectively with managers and clients, ensuring deadlines are met. About You Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline. Minimum 2 years’ ecology experience. Associate Membership of CIEEM (ACIEEM), or working towards this within 6 months. Strong report writing skills and ability to manage projects independently. Excellent communicator with good common sense and a solutions-focused approach. Full UK driving licence; willing to travel. A protected species licence is desirable but not essential. Keen to learn and develop into a Principal Ecologist role. What We Offer Salary: To £40,000 DOE. 25 days holiday 8 bank holidays. Company pooled car (so no personal tax implications) & fuel card. Flexible working (home, site, office). Training & development, including PTS Track Safety Training. Progression to Principal Ecologist ( generous salary uplift & team leadership). Autonomy, flexibility, and the chance to make a real impact. Ready to shape the future of rail ecology? Apply now with your CV. ENG1