Senior Ecologist

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people-first culture. Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Ecologist to join our established Ecology team, delivering high-profile renewable energy, infrastructure, and residential development projects. Based in Stoke on Trent, the role will focus primarily on ecological consultancy and project delivery, with additional exposure to business development and client management (depending on experience), as well as wider work spanning renewables, infrastructure, power, industrial and built environment sectors. The Role You'll lead and support the delivery of ecology projects from early planning through to completion, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams. The role includes: • Project and technical leadership, including management of ecological projects (commensurate with experience) • Client management, stakeholder engagement, and support with fee proposals • Mentoring and coaching junior ecologists • Production and review of technical deliverables including Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, licence applications and related documents • Undertaking and overseeing ecological surveys to required standards • Desk-based work alongside site visits across the UK and Ireland You'll collaborate with colleagues across Environmental and Earth Sciences, Planning, ESIA, Landscape, and Engineering, working on complex and impactful projects with opportunities for broader UK and Ireland exposure. Rewards & Benefits SLR's 'One Team' culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licenses, we offer outstanding opportunities for long‑term career progression. Our flexible benefits & reward package includes: Competitive salary with discretionary bonus Company pension Private medical insurance Life, income, and travel insurance Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes We believe sustainable careers need balance, that's why we offer: Flexible, hybrid and agile working 25 days' annual leave plus flexible public holidays Buy or sell leave options Core working hours Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities Family life and wellbeing matter at SLR: We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress, and menopause - supporting our people both professionally and personally. About You You'll bring: • Demonstrable experience delivering UK ecological consultancy projects, across a range of habitats and protected species • A degree in Ecology or a related discipline, with strong academic and professional grounding • Project management and stakeholder engagement experience, including working with planning authorities and regulatory bodies • Strong knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance • Experience producing technical reports including PEAs, EcIAs, ES chapters and HRAs • Experience preparing and submitting protected species licence applications, holding at least one licence (bat licence desirable) • Membership of CIEEM (Qualifying or higher) • Strong technical reporting, communication and problem-solving skills • A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits Culture & Inclusion Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you. If this role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we'd love to hear from you. We're Making Sustainability Happen. We don't have all the answers to the complex sustainability challenges faced by humanity today. But we're working on it. We are a consultancy with 4,500+ employees, working on projects in over 125 countries around the world. When you join SLR, you'll work alongside some of the world's leading advisors and technicians on projects of global importance in the environmental space. We know sustainability starts from within. And no matter how good we are today, we can always do better. We continually work on our internal ethics to set the standard for organisations and reflect the advice we give to clients. Don't see the dream job you are looking for? Drop off your contact information and resume and we will reach out to you if we find the perfect fit!