Location
Hybrid working based out of the AtkinsRéalis Epsom/London office, with flexible working arrangements to support work/life balance and wellbeing.

Hours
Full Time - Regular employee position

Salary
Competitive salary commensurate with experience (not specified)

About the Role
Join AtkinsRéalis as an Associate Ecologist within the London and Southeast Ecology Practice to contribute to nationally significant and high-profile infrastructure projects. You will lead project programmes and budgets, collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, and engage with stakeholders. Responsibilities include planning and undertaking field surveys, analysing and interpreting survey results, designing and coordinating ecological mitigation, and authoring and reviewing ecological reports and licence applications. You will also provide mentorship to early career staff, manage work enquiries, prepare bids, and build strong client relationships. The role supports the development of ecological work portfolios in the Southern region and across the UK. AtkinsRéalis is committed to innovation, biodiversity net gain, and nature-based solutions, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within a supportive and flexible working culture. This role may require security clearance, which will be discussed during the interview process.

Experience
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or equivalent, with chartership (CEcol or CEnv).
- Demonstrable project management experience including technical, financial, and quality assurance aspects.
- Strong botanical skills, including Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) level 4+ or equivalent botanical ability.
- Experience with UK Habitat survey, habitat condition assessments, and Defra Biodiversity Metric.
- Experience undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
- Proven skills in report writing, including Preliminary Ecological Assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Chapters for EIAs, and Habitats Regulations Assessment.
- Experience in quality assurance and technical lead roles.
- Experience working on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and familiarity with the Development Consent Order (DCO) process is advantageous.
- Protected species survey licence(s) and a full, clean UK driving licence.

About you
Enthusiastic and motivated ecologist committed to innovation and knowledge sharing. Able to work inclusively within diverse teams and build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and external bodies. Comfortable working in a hybrid environment with flexibility to support wellbeing and work/life balance.

Qualifications
A degree in ecology or a closely related field is desirable but not essential. Membership and chartership with CIEEM or equivalent professional recognition is required.