Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist Job OverviewOur client is a major utilities and infrastructure organisation responsible for delivering and maintaining critical infrastructure across Wales and the South West.Due to continued investment in major infrastructure projects, they are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their internal project team. This is a newly created position and represents an excellent opportunity for an ecologist to take ownership of ecology matters across several significant schemes.The successful candidate will initially support two major high-pressure pipeline projects across South Wales, each extending approximately 50 kilometres through a variety of landscapes and environmentally sensitive areas. They will also provide ecological support across the wider network throughout Wales and the South West.The role will involve advising engineering and project teams, ensuring environmental compliance and helping projects progress efficiently while meeting all ecological and regulatory requirements.This is currently a standalone ecology position reporting directly to the engineering lead. However, there is potential for the successful candidate to help develop and grow an internal ecology team in the future.Senior Ecologist Job RequirementsDegree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related disciplinePrevious experience working as an Ecologist or Senior EcologistExperience supporting major infrastructure, utilities, rail, highways, transport or construction projectsStrong understanding of UK ecology legislation and environmental regulationsExperience liaising with regulatory bodies and environmental stakeholdersAbility to provide practical ecological advice to engineering and project teamsExperience managing ecological constraints while supporting project deliveryStrong report writing and communication skillsAbility to work independently and take ownership of ecology mattersComfortable attending sites and project meetings across Wales and the South WestFull UK driving licenceThe client requires someone who understands the importance of maintaining compliance while also supporting projects to progress within programme timescales.Senior Ecologist Job ResponsibilitiesProvide ecological advice across major infrastructure and pipeline projectsSupport two significant high-pressure pipeline projects across South WalesAdvise engineering and project delivery teams on ecological risks and requirementsLiaise with Natural Resources Wales, the Environment Agency and other relevant stakeholdersCoordinate with external ecological consultants and contractorsReview ecological surveys, reports, mitigation plans and recommendationsEnsure projects comply with relevant environmental legislation and planning requirementsIdentify ecological constraints and provide practical solutionsSupport project teams in progressing works safely, legally and efficientlyAttend site meetings, project meetings and stakeholder discussionsProvide oversight of externally commissioned ecology workHelp ensure external consultants are providing proportionate and appropriate recommendationsSupport the development of the organisation's internal ecology capabilityPotentially assist with recruiting and managing additional ecologists as the team growsSenior Ecologist Salary and BenefitsCompetitive salary, dependent on experience25 days' annual leaveCompany pension scheme with employer contributionsFlexible and hybrid working arrangementsOpportunity to work on major infrastructure projectsSignificant autonomy and responsibilityPotential to develop and grow an internal ecology teamLong-term career progression within a major utilities organisationThe position offers flexibility regarding home working and location. However, the successful candidate must be available to attend sites and project meetings across South Wales, Wales and the South West when required.Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.TPBN1_UKTJ