AtkinsRéalis
Senior/Principal Ecologist
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Senior/Principal Ecologist
Ecologist (Project Lead) – Nationally Important Infrastructure Projects
Overview
Shape the future of our cities and environments by joining our dynamic organisation. With a vast range of projects in progress, you’ll kickstart your career with unmatched growth opportunities while working alongside a collaborative and supportive team.
We foster a culture that values flexibility, inclusivity, and personal development—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. As an orginal****ly 'Disability Confident' and 'Inclusive Employer', we’re committed to shaping an environment where everyone feels valued, whether through flexible/remote work options or initiatives like our Women’s Equality Pledge.
Our ecology team is dedicated to positive environmental change, embedding ecological considerations into projects early to inform research, habitat creation, and policy development. Leading a team of over 130 specialists (including a CIEEM President and three Fellows), we deliver impactful solutions across habitat restoration, innovative designs, and national infrastructure projects.
The Role
Client Facing & Team Leadership
- Drive relationships with stakeholders by deeply understanding client needs and mobilising internal resources to deliver tailored solutions.
- Lead nationally significant infrastructure projects, managing programmes and budgets while fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration to maximise value.
Technical & Project Execution
- Fieldwork: Conduct surveys (with a strong emphasis on bat ecology) and analyse data to inform project decisions.
- Mitigation & Reporting: Design, coordinate, and deliver ecological mitigation strategies; author/peer-review a range of reports, licence applications (e.g., for protected species), and technical assessments (e.g., Preliminary Ecological Appraisals).
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with technical teams (e.g., planners, engineers, policy) to align countermeasures with business goals.
- Risk Management: Actively identify, monitor, and mitigate project risks in a high-stakes environment.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Innovation & Mentorship
- Encourage a culture of innovation by proposing creative solutions to technical/process challenges.
- Mentor early-career ecologists, guiding them toward chartered status (e.g., Ch IEcol or Ch Env) and fostering team development.
Why This Could Be Your Next Step
- A bespoke mentoring roadmap with dedicated CIEEM support.
- Tailored up-skilling (technical training + career progression planning).
- Flexible working that adapts to your priorities—as well as robust benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.
About You
Essential Qualifications & Skills
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), or equivalent (e.g., CEcol or CEnv degree).
- Demonstrable project management expertise, including budget oversight and quality assurance.
- Hands-on experience in habitat surveys, condition assessments, and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics.
- Proven ability to lead sensitive species assessments (e.g., bats), drafting substantive reports for regulatory approvals.
- A full UK/EEC driving licence (essential for site access).
Desirable Additional Experience
- Chartered status (CEcol or CEnv) or active progress towards it.
- Development Consent Order (DCO) process familiarity, particularly with national infrastructure schemes.
- Experience in Human-Environment Interaction (HEIA) Reports or similar strategic policy work.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Soft Skills & Cultural Fit
- A collaborative, outspoken mindset that champions ecological best practice.
- Resilience to manage advisory roles harmoniously with design/deconstruction bids.
On-Going Commitments
- Potential requirement for UK security clearance (discussed post-interview; applications must not disclose prior clearance).
- Prefer candidates who can relate proof of UK residency (5+ years’ history required for part of the vetting process).
What’s in It for You
Rewards & Support
- Competitive compensation plus recognition schemes that reward performance.
- Flexible working + generous holiday allowances to balance life and career.
- Career-defining tuition (both internal workshops and external certifications).
AtkinsRéalis at a Glance
Innovators in global infrastructure & energy solutions, we merge technology, data, and human expertise to address planetary challenges. From nuclear consultancy to road/rail/waterway projects, we deliver solutions that build a sustainable future.
Awards,* *media attention, and client testimonials attest to our integrity—especially in advancing environmental outcomes.
Why Us?
Our mission is engineering a better world. If you’re ready to thrive in a research-driven ecology team where collaboration reins, apply today. Auditions welcomed from underrepresented groups.
#LI-INFRASTRUCTURE | #EnviroJobs | #EcjobsUK AtkinsRealis careers page LinkedIn: @AtkinsRéalis
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location