Location
Belfast office, located on the edge of the city with on-site parking, strong public transport connections and easy access to major road networks. The role supports hybrid working, with an expectation of two to three days per week in the office to facilitate mentoring, collaboration and team coordination. Flexible working arrangements can be accommodated where project responsibilities allow.

Hours
Full time, with hybrid working arrangements supporting a balance of office and remote work.

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Tetra Tech is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join our Planning & Environmental team, contributing to a wide range of ecological, environmental and planning projects across the UK and Ireland. Based in a large, permanently desked office, you will deliver high-quality ecological input across diverse projects including marine, coastal, regeneration and renewable developments. Your responsibilities will include designing and undertaking ecological surveys, interpreting data, assessing habitats and species, and producing clear, robust reports to support planning applications, marine licensing and environmental approvals.

You will liaise with clients, regulators, colleagues and project teams to integrate ecological considerations into planning, design and construction from the outset. Supporting multidisciplinary project coordination, you will contribute to feasibility assessments, research, and stakeholder consultations. Your work will combine office-based report writing with site-based survey activity across varied landscapes.

Additionally, you will support business development by maintaining client relationships and identifying opportunities to strengthen our ecological services. Your role will influence environmental quality and biodiversity outcomes, shaping sustainable design approaches and nature-positive solutions. As you progress, you will develop sector expertise, provide technical leadership, and contribute to improving methodologies, reporting standards and client service.

Experience
Significant previous experience in an ecological consultancy role, including strong technical expertise in Phase 1 habitat assessments, protected species surveys and ecological appraisal. Experience with bat surveys, mammal surveys and wider ecological fieldwork is essential. Proven ability to interpret environmental constraints, analyse data and produce evidence-based recommendations. Competence in GIS and Microsoft Office applications, with experience producing clear, concise reports supporting planning and licensing submissions.

About you
Effective communicator able to liaise confidently with clients, colleagues, regulators and stakeholders, explaining ecological issues to both technical and non-technical audiences. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage workload and contribute to project coordination. Professional, collaborative mindset with a commitment to high standards, scientific accuracy and environmental stewardship. Ability to work independently and as part of a team under pressure while maintaining quality and consistency.

Qualifications
Degree in an ecological or environmental discipline. Membership of CIEEM or an equivalent professional body is required. Full current driving licence and access to transport to enable travel to survey sites across the UK and Ireland. Strong knowledge of UK and/or Irish environmental policy, ecological legislation and regulatory processes relevant to development and land use planning. Ability to advise on ecological mitigation, compensation and enhancement measures aligned with statutory obligations and good practice standards.