Senior Ecologist

Belfast | Hybrid Working | £38,000 - £45,000 + £3,000 Car Allowance

An established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy is looking to appoint a Senior Ecologist to join its growing team in Belfast.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established ecology team of 14 professionals operating within a wider Planning & Environment division of over 40 specialists spanning Ecology, Environmental Management, Landscape Architecture and Town Planning.

Working across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects including renewable energy, energy infrastructure, active travel schemes, transport, property developments, water infrastructure, ports and harbours.

The role offers a blend of office, home and site-based work, with hybrid working arrangements typically involving 2-3 days per week in the office.

The Role

As a Senior Ecologist, you will play a key role in delivering ecological advice across a wide range of projects from inception through to delivery. You'll lead ecological surveys, undertake habitat and protected species assessments, prepare technical reports and provide ecological input throughout planning and consenting processes.

You will work closely with clients, regulatory bodies and multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring ecological considerations are effectively integrated into project design and development.

The role offers genuine variety, combining technical reporting, field surveys, stakeholder engagement and project management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and undertake ecological surveys and site assessments.
• Deliver Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments and protected species reports.
• Conduct habitat and protected species surveys.
• Analyse ecological data and provide robust recommendations.
• Support planning applications, environmental assessments and licensing processes.
• Liaise with clients, regulators and project stakeholders.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary project delivery teams.
• Advise on ecological mitigation, enhancement and biodiversity opportunities.
• Support business development and client relationship activities.
• Mentor and support junior team members where appropriate.

About You

You will be a motivated ecological professional with consultancy experience and strong technical capabilities.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Membership of CIEEM or equivalent professional body.
• Several years' experience within ecological consultancy.
• Strong understanding of ecological legislation and planning policy within the UK and/or Ireland.
• Experience undertaking habitat and protected species surveys.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Proficiency with GIS and Microsoft Office applications.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Desirable Experience

• Bat survey experience.
• Mammal survey experience.
• Protected species licences.
• Experience working on infrastructure, renewable energy or large-scale development projects.
• Project management and mentoring experience.

What's on Offer?

• £38,000 - £45,000 basic salary.
• £3,000 annual car allowance.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunity to work across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
• Collaborative multidisciplinary environment.
• Exposure to a broad range of projects including renewables, energy infrastructure, transport, property and marine-related developments.
• Clear opportunities for career progression and professional development.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist looking to take the next step in their career within a well-established environmental consultancy delivering impactful projects across Ireland.