Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist (Early / Mid / Advanced Stage - Principal Track)
Full-Time Northern Ireland (Home-Based)
A forward-thinking ecological consultancy operating across Ireland and the UK is expanding its senior technical team. This is a home-based opportunity for an experienced ecologist ready to step into greater leadership influence and project ownership across a wide range of high-impact ecological work
Designed as a structured career pathway this role flexes around your experience level - whether youre sharpening your leadership edge or stepping firmly onto the Principal Ecologist trajectory.

The Opportunity

Youll play a key role in delivering high-quality ecological input across major infrastructure development and conservation projects. From habitat surveys to regulatory engagement your work will directly shape sustainable outcomes at scale
This is a role for someone who wants technical depth autonomy and a clear route into senior leadership.

Career Pathways & Responsibilities

Senior Ecologist - Early Stage (5-6 years)

• Lead ecological surveys across habitats and protected species
• Draft and QA ecological reports (PEA EcIA CEMP AA NIS BNG etc.)
• Provide technical input to multidisciplinary project teams
• Mentor junior ecologists in field methods and reporting
• Support tendering and fee proposal development
• Build client relationships and progress toward survey licences

Senior Ecologist - Mid Stage (6-7 years)

• Lead EIA and large-scale infrastructure ecology packages
• QA complex ecological assessments and mitigation strategies
• Deliver internal CPD and knowledge-sharing sessions
• Manage multi-team survey programmes and workloads
• Represent ecology in design and planning meetings
• Develop long-term client relationships and support business growth

Senior Ecologist - Advanced Stage (7-8 years Principal Track)

• Act as subject matter expert across diverse ecological projects
• Lead major ecological inputs and regulatory submissions independently
• QA high-level reporting (EcIA SEA NIS) and complex mitigation planning
• Advise clients regulators and design teams on technical ecological matters
• Mentor across multiple grades and support recruitment and training
• Support tender leadership and influence technical standards and best practice
• Undertake licensed ecological work and regulator liaison

About You

• Degree in Ecology or related discipline
• 4 years ecological consultancy experience
• Strong understanding of UK Irish & EU wildlife legislation
• Experience in protected species and habitat surveys
• Confident report writer with strong technical accuracy
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff
• CIEEM membership (preferred but not essential)
• Full UK/Ireland driving licence willingness to travel

Bonus points for:

• Protected species licences
• Regulatory negotiation experience
• Invasive species management expertise

Whats on Offer

• Salary: 39500 - 47500 DOE
• Fully home-based role (Northern Ireland remit)
• Clear progression toward Principal Ecologist level
• Exposure to high-profile varied ecological projects
• Biannual & performance bonus schemes
• Private health insurance
• Paid professional memberships CPD funding
• Enhanced training and qualification support
• Flexible working arrangements
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company vehicles travel support
• Free/subsidised travel & on-site parking where applicable
• Regular team events and wellbeing initiatives

Why This Role

This isnt just another senior ecology post - its a structured climb into technical leadership with space to shape how ecological consultancy is delivered across complex real-world projects. If you want autonomy progression and meaningful ecological impact this sits right in that sweet spot between field expertise and strategic influence.
About us: Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose-led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change promote sustainability and create inclusive and responsible organisations working towards a sustainable world for us all. Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity race gender religious beliefs sexual orientation age or whether or not they have a disability. Lets help build a better world together.