Location
Central London, with operational focus across Teesside, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire.

Hours
Full Time - Hours not specified

Salary
£45,000–£55,000+ per annum, commensurate with experience

About the Role
Lead ecological excellence in one of the UK’s most influential environmental roles. This rare opportunity invites an exceptional individual to shape the future of one of the UK’s most biodiverse and strategically important landscapes. As a senior member of INCA (Industry Nature Conservation Association), you will work alongside a dedicated small team of experienced ecologists at the intersection of ecology, industry, and policy. Based on Teesside and operating across the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, you will guide ecological outcomes in a region undergoing significant transformation—from Net Zero ambitions to a major transition into renewable and secure energy.

INCA has been the trusted ecological advisor for over 30 years to local industry, regulators, and environmental bodies. Our remit includes internationally significant SPA bird sites, SSSI saltmarshes, ancient woodlands, intertidal mudflats, dune systems, species-rich meadows, and rare open mosaic habitats within a dynamic estuarine and coastal environment.

Your role will include providing strategic ecological leadership across complex, high-profile projects; advising senior industry, regulatory, and conservation stakeholders; leading Habitat Regulations Assessments, UK Habitats Classification as part of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and managing designated sites legislation. You will represent INCA at the highest levels, influencing regional ecological policy and best practice, while mentoring and developing the next generation of ecologists within the team.

We offer a highly competitive salary, exceptional benefits including a generous pension scheme, private healthcare, paid professional memberships, and up to 30+ days holiday plus bank holidays. Flexible hybrid working arrangements support both strategic focus and field engagement. Join one of the most experienced ecological teams in the region and gain a platform to shape nationally significant environmental outcomes in partnership with industry leaders and conservation authorities.

If you are an accomplished ecologist seeking a role with genuine influence, job satisfaction, and the chance to make a lasting impact on landscapes and species, we would be delighted to hear from you. Step into a role where your expertise will define the future.

Experience
- At least five years’ experience as a professional ecological consultant.
- Good ecological field skills covering a range of protected species and habitats, including UK Habitats.
- Experience undertaking Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain, and Habitat Regulations Assessments.
- Proven ability to write concise, high-quality technical reports in line with CIEEM guidelines.
- Experience in writing fee proposals, project management, and client liaison.
- Good commercial awareness.
- Full clean driving licence.

About you
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
- Ability to provide strategic ecological leadership and influence senior stakeholders.
- Motivated to mentor and develop junior ecologists.
- Strong understanding of legislative and planning policy frameworks related to ecology and nature conservation.

Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (essential).
- Master’s degree in a relevant subject (desirable).
- Associate membership of CIEEM (or higher) with willingness to work towards Full membership (desirable).
- Good working knowledge of QGIS (desirable).
- BSBI FISC (Level 3 or above) (desirable).
- Natural England protected species licences (desirable).