Location
Based in LUC’s offices in Bristol or Cardiff with hybrid working (minimum two days per week in office). Travel to sites, client offices and other locations required.

Hours
Full Time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). Flexible working options available including part time (minimum 30 hours per week).

Salary
£32,500 - £39,000 FTE (Dependent on experience)

About the Role
LUC’s ecology team is passionate about creating opportunities for wildlife and people to thrive together. With established teams across the UK, we support a wide range of projects at local and national levels. We apply emerging ecological principles and methods to challenging policy and development projects, working collaboratively and with enthusiasm. Currently, we are delivering exciting renewable energy generation and transmission projects in Wales, alongside development and nature restoration projects in south-west England.
The Senior Ecologist will design, oversee and deliver a wide range of ecological surveys, manage projects using LUC’s Project Management System, engage with clients and stakeholders, analyse ecological data, prepare consultancy reports, line manage junior colleagues, prepare tender responses and fee proposals, and contribute to business development with senior support.
This role suits experienced ecological consultants ready to advance their careers within a science-led, collaborative team. You will have opportunities to work alongside colleagues across multiple disciplines including Strategic Ecology, Arboriculture, Agri-environment, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Heritage, GIS and Visualisation.
The role includes participation in the Employee Ownership Trust, giving employees full ownership of the company. We embrace flexible working and a supportive culture to help you thrive professionally and personally.

Experience
- Strong understanding of UK wildlife through education or practical experience
- Good knowledge of UK nature conservation legislation and policy
- Understanding of development management processes in England and Wales
- Wide-ranging experience in habitat and protected species survey design, data management and analysis
- Experience preparing or reviewing ecological consultancy reports including preliminary ecological appraisals, protected species survey reports and Ecological Impact Assessments
- Experience engaging with commercial clients and stakeholders
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to work across the UK with travel (all expenses covered)
- Willingness to occasionally work antisocial hours, particularly during bat survey season

About you
Motivated to grow your ecology field skills and committed to high quality science. Able to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and contribute to business development. Enthusiastic about delivering positive outcomes for nature, people and places.

Qualifications
Essential qualifications or experience in ecology or related disciplines. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Desirable
- Understanding of renewable energy consenting mechanisms
- Experience with line management responsibilities
- Protected species licences (bat, great crested newt, dormouse) are advantageous

Equality and Inclusion
LUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and actively encourages applications from under-represented groups. We value the diverse contributions of our workforce and embed these principles in all people-related activities.