AtkinsRéalis
Senior/Principal Ecologist
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Senior/Principal Ecologist
Senior Ecologist – Habitat Creation & Nature Positive Projects
About the Role
Shape the future of cities and environments with AtkinsRéalis, where expertise, collaboration, and impact drive meaningful change.
Part of our award-winning ecology team, this role is crucial in delivering nature-positive projects, from habitat creation and ecological assessments to policy development and innovation. Working across new infrastructure and research projects, ecologists ensure biodiversity is protected and enhanced at every stage—from feasibility to completion.
We pride ourselves on:
- A truly collaborative culture, where everyone’s input matters.
- Flexible and remote-friendly policies to balance work and life.
- Supporting Career Development and Continuous Professional Growth within a thriving, inclusive workforce.
- Valuing experience and adaptive skill-sets, offering entry paths without a traditional degree.
We believe inclusive excellence in the environmental sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team, delivering high-standard ecological assessments, habitat design, and mitigation strategies.
- Plan, design, and implement nature recovery projects, ensuring alignment with current legislation (e.g., UKHab, HRA, Biodiversity Net Gain).
- Develop innovative, cost-effective approaches to ecological compensation and habitat restoration.
- Collaborate with clients, contractors, and regulators to assure seamless deliverables.
- Lead and mentor junior team members, managing projects from start to finish.
- QA all ecological deliverables to the highest standard—ensuring compliance with best practice.
- Engage in bidding strategies and client relationships to secure new work.
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About You
We’re looking for passionate, adaptable professionals with:
- Strong scientific knowledge of UK biodiversity, wildlife legislation, and policy frameworks.
- Field-skilled botanist (Level 3+ Demonstration of FISC or equivalent), experienced in protected species surveys and licensing.
- Exceptional report-writing skills, comfortable presenting technical findings clearly and concisely.
- Familiarity with net-zero land management strategies, nature recovery programs, and ecological restoration projects.
- Project management experience—balancing budgets, timelines, and client expectations.
- Membership of CIEEM (active) or progress toward Chartership (CEnv or CEcol).
- Current full UK driving licence.
Bonus skills:
- Familiarity with cadastral surveys, LiDAR data integration, online GIS tools, and environmental software.
- Experience leading public engagement or stakeholder management in ecological contexts.
- Experience working in urban regeneration or when environmental law governance.
Rewards & Benefits
Thriving is what we deliver to our people—when they deliver to the world around them, second by second. Enjoy:
Competitive Package
📊 Commission & bonus incentives 💰 Lucrative upfront salary (up to £60,000 per annum) 🏆 Explore hospitality allowances and expense benefits
Flexibility & Wellbeing
⏸ Hybrid/remote working options built to support productivity and balance. 🌟 Tailor your benefits to your needs—healthcare, retirement contributions, childcare support. 🤲 Generous holidays, 31 days as standard plus discretionary days.
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Training & Development
☁ Access to e-learning and global resources at our Recruitment Academy. 📚 Charging for professional memberships, conferences, digital tools, and lab supplies. ⭐ Ascend to new opportunities with promotional advancement rooted in meritocracy.
Ensure your personal values matter: we blend professional growth with mental & physical health initiatives.
About AtkinsRéalis
We change the world—for the better. As a UK-based engineering team in AtkinsRéalis, our purpose is clear: we harness technology, science and data to design, deliver, and manage infrastructure and energy solutions.
Our industry partners and clients rely on our family of 100,000 professionals worldwide to fuel economic growth—fast, inclusive, and responsibly.
Join AtkinsRéalis and be part of the # ** מםכהenvirojobs | EcologyJob-hoverimplant** movement.
Information & Next Steps
*Security)
This role requires, and successful candidates will need to obtain, a security clearance by UKSV. This process may require you to demonstrate 5+ consecutive years of UK residency. Further updates will be provided in interview.
**Commitment to Inclusion
We are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone belongs. Explore our family-friendly policies, ERGs (Employment Resource Groups), and culturally accessible practices.
We believe talent comes in all forms. Equality underpins everything we do here—regardless of background, ability, or seniority.
Join us—and let’s shape the future—together.
#NRG #EcoCore #Megaproject Note: These roles are open to all with the flexibility and creativity to make them happen.
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