Location
Cardiff, UK

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. We deliver exciting work that defines our future and makes an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. We offer countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, with a supportive environment where you can develop as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience internationally.

Environmental and social considerations are central to our purpose and offerings. Our environment and social business provides essential services and innovative solutions anticipating client needs across all sectors.

As a leader in Nature Services, we are seeking talented ecologists to join our growing team and help integrate nature into development. You will play a key role in delivering better outcomes for people, nature, and communities, working alongside clients on major infrastructure and development projects.

The role involves significant site-based work including leading protected species surveys, habitat surveys, Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) activities, and other technical fieldwork. Office-based responsibilities include report writing, data interpretation and analysis, and preparation of health, safety, and wellbeing documentation. You will support senior colleagues in delivering complex projects, providing technical expertise and maintaining high standards.

Projects span all stages of the lifecycle, from concept and design through construction and implementation, offering opportunities to influence scheme design, deliver biodiversity benefits, and promote best practice.

Our Cardiff office supports a diverse client base including Welsh Water, Transport for Wales, Associated British Ports, Local Planning Authorities, North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent, Great British Energy-Nuclear, the Environment Agency, and Forestry England. Projects are located throughout Wales and the South West of England.

We offer excellent career development and progression opportunities within a growing business, supporting ambitions to develop technical expertise, lead projects, or move into management. This role suits a proactive, motivated team player who enjoys collaboration and contributing to the success of our ecology team.

Experience
- Degree in Ecology or a closely related subject; a higher degree (MSc or PhD) is advantageous
- At least three years' experience in ecological consultancy or equivalent with transferable skills
- Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy, and ecological assessment processes including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
- Experience leading protected species surveys across a range of development projects, including survey design, scope development, field delivery, and coordination
- Strong report-writing skills with excellent attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, concise, high-quality technical reports including ecological appraisals, survey reports, and method statements

About you
- Proactive and motivated team player who enjoys working collaboratively
- Keen to contribute to the growth and success of the ecology team
- Willingness to travel throughout the UK and work away from home as project requirements dictate

Qualifications
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or equivalent is desirable
- Experience in project management including programme and budget management is desirable
- Experience preparing fee proposals and contributing to tender submissions is desirable
- Qualified tree climber with relevant certification and practical survey experience is desirable
- Holder of a personal conservation licence for one or more protected species (ideally bats or dormice) and/or FISC Level 4 accreditation, or ability to achieve this following assessment
- Experience undertaking Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) duties and possession of a valid CSCS card is desirable