Hays
Technical Director of Ecology

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Our client is a growing environmental consultancy in the appointment of a Technical Director - Ecology. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious organisation delivering complex infrastructure, renewable energy and land-use projects across the UK. With an expanding portfolio of large-scale developments, including renewable energy schemes and nationally significant infrastructure projects, the business is seeking an experienced technical leader to drive ecological excellence across its project delivery teams.
This role would suit an experienced Principal Ecologist, Associate Director or Technical Director looking to focus on technical leadership while influencing major projects and supporting the development of a growing ecology team.
Your new role
As Technical Director - Ecology, you will act as a senior technical authority within the organisation, providing expert guidance on complex ecological projects and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, robust and defensible ecological advice.
- Work closely with project teams across large-scale infrastructure and development projects, supporting ecological assessment, planning and consenting processes while promoting technical consistency and best practice throughout the business.
- Lead complex ecological inputs into Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and major infrastructure projects.
- Author and review technical reports, assessments and supporting documentation, including EcIA, HRA and bespoke technical notes.
- Provide technical oversight of Environmental Statement chapters and ecological assessments.
- Support project teams with survey design, impact assessment and mitigation strategy development.
- Prepare and contribute to tender submissions for complex projects.
- Provide technical guidance on protected species licencing and mitigation requirements.
- Support ecological inputs into Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and strategies.
- Advise on ecological legislation, planning policy and industry best practice.
- Lead responses to consultations, examinations, hearings and planning enquiries.
- Support planning appeals and consenting processes where required.
- Mentor and develop ecological consultants, helping to build technical capability across the team.
- Contribute to internal quality assurance processes, technical standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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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.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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.
What you'll need to succeed
- Degree qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Significant ecological consultancy experience at Principal Ecologist level or above.
- Strong experience in the authorship and review of EcIA, Environmental Statement and Habitat Regulations Assessment documentation.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary EIA teams.
- Excellent knowledge of UK ecological legislation, policy and guidance.
- Experience designing mitigation strategies and supporting protected species licencing.
- Good understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain principles and implementation.
- Full CIEEM membership would be advantageous.
- Experience supporting planning appeals, examinations or major consenting processes would be beneficial.


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What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary of £60,000 - £70,000 depending on experience.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Life Assurance.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Paid professional memberships.
- Comprehensive internal and external training opportunities.
- Regular performance and career development reviews.
- Enhanced family-friendly policies and support.
- Volunteering and community engagement opportunities.
- An inclusive workplace culture that promotes collaboration, wellbeing and continuous development.
- Opportunities to work alongside a wider network of environmental and professional services specialists.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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