Senior Field Ecologist

Opportunity Overview: Senior Field Ecologist at SLR Consulting

Due to continued business growth, SLR Consulting is seeking an experienced Project Ecologist to join their expert Southampton ecology team in a Senior Field Ecologist role. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and deliver a range of projects across various business sectors, particularly Renewables and Built Environment, taking responsibility for ecology inputs on large and complex assignments.

The Role of a Senior Field Ecologist

This position involves significant field surveys and mitigation projects focused on ornithology, protected/notable mammals, and habitats. Depending on your skills, there may also be opportunities to engage in herpetofauna, fish habitat, and invertebrate surveys. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and overseeing ecological aspects of projects, providing expert advice to clients and contractors in the power, built environment, and infrastructure sectors.
• Preparing fee proposals, defining scopes of work, writing detailed reports, and conducting technical reviews of peer and sub-contractor reports.
• Supervising and mentoring junior ecology staff, potentially involving direct staff management and leading site work on specific ecological specialisms.
• Scheduling, managing, and ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery of ecological survey work packages.
• Liaising with other SLR technical teams (planning, landscape, hydrology, noise, air quality) and collaborating closely with senior ecology team members across different SLR offices.

The role requires a willingness to travel extensively, spend time away from home, and conduct survey work in all weather conditions, often in remote locations. Long field days may occur, with SLR Consulting offering paid overtime or Time off in lieu/flexible working arrangements.

About SLR Consulting

SLR Consulting is a global leader in Sustainability Solutions, with over 4,000 employees across 6 regions in more than 125 countries. They foster a 'one team' culture, offering a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package (pension, healthcare, travel/life insurance), a structured career framework, 25 days annual leave plus flexible bank holidays, and flexible, agile, and hybrid working options with family-friendly policies.

Who You Are

SLR Consulting is looking for an individual with demonstrable experience in ecological consultancy, capable of leading and mentoring team members. You should possess proven competence in ecological surveying (terrestrial ecology, botany, ornithology, or other specialisms) and a strong understanding of relevant ecological legislation and policy within Scotland and across the UK. Essential qualifications and experience include:

• BSc in Ecology, Biological Science, or equivalent (MSc desirable), eligible for Qualifying or Associate level CIEEM membership.
• Good theoretical grounding in ecology and environmental assessment, with experience in a range of ecological survey techniques.
• Botanical skills and experience in habitat surveys, along with specialist fauna surveys (e.g., bats, reptiles, amphibians, water voles, otters, birds, invertebrates) are advantageous.
• Proven experience in project management duties, including planning and scheduling surveys, budget management, and client liaison.
• Protected/notable species survey experience relevant to Scotland.
• Experience in ornithological, botanical, terrestrial, or freshwater fauna surveys.
• A full UK driving licence is required.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR

SLR Consulting is deeply committed to being an equal opportunities employer, actively fostering an inclusive environment through Regional C&I Committees, Global Council, and Employee Networks. They welcome applications from all backgrounds, including under-represented groups such as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent. Special adjustments for the recruitment process are available upon request, and as a Disability Confident Committed employer, all applicants with a disability who meet essential requirements are guaranteed an interview.

Key skills/competency

• Ecological Surveying
• Project Management
• Ornithology
• Protected Species Legislation
• Habitat Assessment
• Client Liaison
• Report Writing
• Team Leadership
• Mentoring
• Environmental Consulting