Senior / Principal Ecologist

Senior / Principal Ecologist

2026-08-28T00:00:00

Location: Miles Platting, Greater Manchester, GB, M40 8

Availability: Any

Application Deadline: 2026-11-27T06:07:54.34

Are you passionate about biodiversity, nature-based solutions and sustainable development?

Are you looking for opportunities to work on interesting projects? Do you want to take your career to the next level in ecological consultancy? We seek experienced and enthusiastic Senior / Principal Ecologists to join our growing, award-winning Ecology team, delivering positive biodiversity outcomes and Biodiversity Net Gain for various interesting projects across the UK.

Ideal locations are Reading or Bristol, with opportunities for the right candidates in Warrington and Edinburgh. We can, however, be flexible in one of Stantec's other offices across the UK for the right candidate.

Project Scope and Responsibilities

• Our projects range in scale across strategic and regeneration residential schemes, energy and resources projects, transport and nationally significant infrastructure projects.


• These roles present a fantastic opportunity to progress your career in ecological consultancy, working at the heart of our multidisciplinary project teams.


• You will provide valued ecological consultancy advice to our clients, helping to shape outcomes and maximise biodiversity opportunities on development projects.


• You'll also consult with external stakeholders, work within the licensing processes and play a key part in large-scale habitat restoration projects.


• You will influence the conservation and enhancement of habitats and species through preparing well-thought-out management plans.


• The role includes delivering and overseeing ecological mitigation and benefits for various developments, undertaking skilled technical reporting, and providing trusted, evidence-based ecological advice to colleagues and clients.


• Additionally, you'll manage the delivery of ecological fieldwork surveys by our network of ecologists.

Team Culture

We're a collaborative, supportive, forward-thinking team that values integrity, curiosity, and shared success. You'll be part of a culture that empowers you to grow, contribute meaningfully, and shape your role to align with your strengths and interests.

About You

• Relevant degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related environmental discipline


• Full membership of CIEEM or working towards full membership


• Strong working knowledge of UK ecology, legislation and the UK planning system


• Proven experience within a professional ecological consultancy, with a track record of working on complex ecological projects through planning or delivery


• Ability to think creatively and strategically in solving ecological challenges


• Excellent communication skills


• Experience in compiling fee proposals and managing project budgets


• Familiarity with UKHab classification and the BNG Defra Metric and associated reporting requirements


• Demonstrable skills and experience in assessments, including PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements

Desirable:

• Broad understanding of terrestrial ecological issues


• Working towards Chartership (CEnv or CEcol)


• Experience in developing off-site BNG solutions and sourcing Biodiversity Units


• Understanding of natural capital and ecosystem services


• One or more protected species licences


• Experience in protected species licences

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients' vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today's challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn't exactly align, we encourage you to apply.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact ##### we will talk to you about how we can support you.

ReqID: 8662

Other Locations: Warrington, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, London, Birmingham, Brighton, Taunton, Cambridge, Exeter

#s1-Gen

project teams. You will provide valued ecological consultancy advice to our clients, helping to shape outcomes and maximise biodiversity opportunities on development projects. You'll also consult with external stakeholders, work within the licensing processes and play a key part in large-scale habitat restoration projects. You'll also influence the conservation and enhancement of habitats and species through preparing well-thought-out management plans.The role is to deliver and oversee ecological mitigation and benefits for various developments, undertake skilled technical reporting, and provide trusted, evidence-based ecological advice to colleagues and clients. Additionally, you'll manage the delivery of ecological fieldwork surveys by our network of ecologists.We're a collaborative, supportive, forward-thinking team that values integrity, curiosity, and shared success. You'll be part of a culture that empowers you to grow, contribute meaningfully, and shape your role to align with
your strengths and interests.About YouRelevant degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related environmental disciplineFull membership of CIEEM or working towards full membershipStrong working knowledge of UK ecology, legislation and the UK planning systemProven experience within a professional ecological consultancy, with a track record of working on complex ecological projects through planning or deliveryAbility to think creatively and strategically in solving ecological challengesExcellent communication skillsExperience in compiling fee proposals and managing project budgetsFamiliarity ofUKHab classification and the BNG Defra Metric and associated reporting requirementsDemonstrable skills and experience in assessments, including PEA, EcIA, HRA and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental StatementsDesirable:Broad understanding of terrestrial ecological issuesWorking towards Chartership (CEnv or CEcol)Experience in developing off-site BNG solutions and sourcing Biodiversity
UnitsUnderstanding of natural capital and ecosystem servicesOne or more protected species licencesExperience in protected species licences#LI-JP1About StantecThe Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients' vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today's challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.Stantec provides equal employment
opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn't exactly align, we encourage you to apply.At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is