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Senior Field Ecologist

SLR Consulting


Job Location:

Southampton - UK

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 3 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Due to continued business growth an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Ecologist to join our expert Southampton ecology team in a Senior Field role.

You will play a lead role in undertaking and delivering a range of projects across our business sectors particularly including Renewables and Built role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for the delivery of ecology inputs to a number of large and complex projects.

The role


The role will involve work on field surveys and mitigation projects relating to ornithology protected/notable mammals and habitats. You may also have the opportunity to be involved in herpetofauna fish habitat and invertebrate surveys.

Subject to your skills this may include some of the following:

  • Managing / overseeing ecological aspects of projects advising clients and their contractors on schemes in the power built environment and infrastructure sectors

  • Preparation of fee proposals and scope of works report writing and technical review of peer and sub-contractor reports

  • Supervision and mentoring of ecology staff; depending on skills and experience the role may also include staff management and leading site work on particular ecological specialisms

  • Scheduling managing and ensuring delivery of ecological survey work packages on time and budget

  • Liaising with other SLR technical teams on a variety of subjects including planning landscape hydrology noise and air quality whilst working closely with senior members of the ecology team in other SLR offices

It is important to understand that the job is likely to involve a significant amount of travel and time away from home as well as survey work in all weathers and occasionally in remote locations. It is therefore important that you will enjoy this aspect of the role. Long days may occasionally be required for field work. SLR offers paid overtime or Time off in lieu/flexible working to help make this manageable.

About us


SLR are global leaders in Sustainability Solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 4000 employees across 6 regions in over 125 countries. Our one team culture is at the heart of our business providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with acompany pension plus excellent healthcare offering travel and life insurance and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days annual leave with additional flexible bank holidays we offer flexible agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours with family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and home life.

About you


You will have demonstrable experience in a range of different areas of ecological consultancy practice and would be able to lead and mentor others within the team. You should be able to demonstrate competence in ecological surveying (whether terrestrial ecology botany ornithology or another specialism) and have an understanding of the relevant ecological legislation and policy within Scotland and throughout the UK.

  • BSc Ecology Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable) and eligible for Qualifying or Associate level CIEEM membership

  • Good theoretical grounding in ecology and environmental assessment and be able to demonstrate experience in a range of ecological survey techniques

  • Botanical skills and experience of habitat surveys would be an advantage along with specialist fauna surveys (bats reptiles amphibians water voles otters birds or invertebrates)

  • Experience in project management duties including planning and scheduling surveys budget management and client liaison.

  • Protected /notable species survey experience of relevance to Scotland

  • Ornithological botanical terrestrial or freshwater fauna surveys

If you are interested and hold a full UK driving licence we would love to hear from you.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR


We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees Global Council and Employee Networks we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of their background including those from groups that are currently under-represented at SLR such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI Indigenous peoples ethnic minority groups women and people with visible or invisible disabilities including those who are neurodivergent.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.

SLR Commitment All applicants with a disability who meet the essential requirements for the job will be guaranteed an interview in line with our Disability Confident Committed status.


Required Experience:

Senior IC


About Company

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SLR's strategic, engineering and technical teams take the pain out of navigating the ever-shifting context of sustainable business and support you in Making Sustainability Happen.

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