Ecologist
Shape Environmental Outcomes Across the UK and Ireland
Tetra Tech RPS is seeking to recruit Ecologists to join our Planning & Environmental team. Based in our Belfast office, this role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to ecological, environmental and planning projects across the UK and Ireland while developing your technical skills within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.
The position is based in a large, permanently desked office located on the edge of the city with on‑site parking, strong public transport connections and easy access to major road networks. The role supports hybrid working, with an expectation of two to three days per week in the office to facilitate mentoring, collaboration and team coordination. Flexible working arrangements can be accommodated where project responsibilities allow. The multidisciplinary environment provides exposure to a wide range of significant projects, including marine, coastal, regeneration and renewable‑related developments.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
As an Ecologist, you will support the delivery of ecological assessments, field surveys and environmental reporting across a broad portfolio of projects, assist in the planning and completion of ecological surveys, help collect and analyse data, and contribute to the preparation of clear, structured ecological reports for planning and environmental submissions. Working alongside more senior colleagues, you will help ensure that ecological considerations are integrated into project design and development from the outset.
Your role will include supporting desk studies, feasibility assessments, stakeholder engagement activities and the coordination of multidisciplinary project teams. You will balance office‑based reporting with site visits across the UK and Ireland, gaining experience across a range of habitats and species. You will also work closely with senior members of the team, contributing to client relationships and helping to strengthen the ecological service offering as your experience grows.
Your Impact in this Position
Your contribution will play an important role in gathering accurate ecological data, supporting the preparation of environmental assessments and helping identify opportunities to protect and enhance biodiversity. You will help clients understand ecological constraints and contribute to the development of proportionate, nature‑positive solutions. Your work will support sustainable design, informed decision‑making and the delivery of environmental outcomes that contribute to resilient and responsible development.
As you grow within the role, you will expand your fieldwork experience, develop your technical knowledge and build confidence in delivering ecological inputs independently. You will contribute to the team’s continued commitment to high‑quality science, clear communication and consistent service delivery. Your progression will be reflected in your developing technical capability, the reliability of your reporting and the trust you build with colleagues and clients.
Your Toolkit for Success at RPS
Ecological Expertise & Technical Capability
You will bring foundational experience in ecological survey techniques, such as Phase 1 habitat surveys and protected species fieldwork. You will have an interest in bat, mammal and wider ecological survey methods, together with a developing understanding of habitat classification, species identification and ecological appraisal. You will be keen to build your technical capability, apply scientific principles accurately and develop the practical skills needed to deliver high‑quality ecological assessments.
Stakeholder & Client Engagement
You will be a clear and confident communicator who is comfortable engaging with colleagues, clients, regulators and stakeholders. You will be able to explain ecological findings in a concise and accessible way, supporting both technical and non‑technical audiences in understanding ecological considerations. You will bring a collaborative approach and a willingness to learn from experienced team members, contributing positively to project delivery and team relationships.
Project Delivery & Management
You will demonstrate good organisational and time‑management skills, contributing to the progression of projects from early concept through to completion. You will be able to work independently on assigned tasks while supporting the coordination of project delivery with the wider team. You will be competent in using GIS and Microsoft Office applications and able to produce clear, well‑structured written outputs. Your motivation, adaptability and attention to detail will underpin your ongoing development and success in the role.
Regulatory Awareness & Environmental Governance
You will bring an emerging understanding of UK and/or Irish environmental legislation, protected species requirements and planning‑related ecological considerations. You will begin applying this knowledge to support ecological mitigation, enhancement and compliance measures. As your experience grows, you will develop increased confidence in navigating regulatory processes, interpreting legislation and contributing to proportionate, evidence‑based ecological recommendations.
Mandatory Requirements
You will hold a degree in an ecological or environmental discipline and be a member of CIEEM or an equivalent professional body, or be actively working toward membership. You will have a full current driving licence and access to transport to enable travel to survey sites across the UK and Ireland. You will demonstrate strong communication, presentation and report writing skills, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Why join Tetra Tech RPS?
At Tetra Tech RPS, our people are our success. We thrive on solving the problems that matter — whether through resilient infrastructure, sustainable development or unlocking innovative solutions for clients across the built environment. Our collaborative culture, agile working environment and access to sector‑leading technical expertise enable our teams to deliver exceptional outcomes while building fulfilling careers.
In 2023, RPS became part of Tetra Tech, a global leader in consulting and engineering with 30,000 employees across 550 offices in more than 120 countries. Combining deep local expertise with global capability, we deliver science‑led solutions at every scale. Join us and be part of a connected, forward‑thinking community that is shaping a safer and more sustainable future.
Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
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