Senior Ecologist

Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong now forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. Our Ecology business is highly successful, and as part of our ongoing plans to develop our teams, we are looking to appoint an experienced Ecologist with at least 4 years of experience for our Stoke and/or London offices.

The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Licensed members of our team can deal with great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice, and reptiles. We're proud of our strong working relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales, and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The ecology team works alongside several other environmental professionals within the firm, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, and engineers.

1. Manage ecological projects (commensurate with experience), assist team leads with resource allocation and financial budgets, address client feedback, and ensure effective communication on all projects.
2. Produce and oversee ecological appraisals, reports, licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, EPS licences, and similar documents.
3. Mentor junior team members.
4. Carry out ecological surveys as necessary and verify survey standards are met by staff.
5. Assist team leads with preparing fee proposals.

SLR is a global leader in Sustainability Solutions, helping clients achieve their sustainability goals. With over 4,000 employees across 6 regions in more than 125 countries, our 'one team' culture fosters collaboration and professional growth. We offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including a company pension, healthcare, travel, and life insurance, along with a structured career framework with regular reviews and progression opportunities. Our flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies support work-life balance.

• Hold a good level of academic and professional qualifications in ecology or a related discipline.
• Experience managing ecological projects from start to completion, with reports meeting standards required by planning authorities, Natural Resources Wales, and similar bodies.
• Experience applying for licences and holding at least one Protected Species licence; a bat licence is advantageous.
• Proficient in preparing technical reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments, and other relevant documents.
• Experience applying for mitigation licences from Natural Resources Wales/Natural England.
• Good knowledge of UK and European legislation, policy, and guidance related to ecology.
• Qualifying Member or higher of CIEEM.
• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle are essential.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, fostering an inclusive environment through regional committees, global councils, and employee networks. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups such as 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, women, and those with disabilities or neurodivergence. We aim to provide equitable support throughout the recruitment process and are a Disability Confident employer.