Ecologist

Job Title: Ecologist
Location: Birchwood, Warrington
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive

Help shape the future of land restoration, regeneration and sustainable development.We're looking for an experienced Ecologist to join a growing multidisciplinary environmental consultancy, working on a diverse portfolio of planning, quarry restoration, land regeneration and development projects.

This isn't a traditional ecology consultancy role. You'll be involved from the earliest stages of projects, helping to identify ecological constraints, influence planning decisions and develop practical, commercially balanced solutions that support both environmental objectives and successful project delivery.

Working closely with planning, engineering and operational teams, the Ecologist will undertake preliminary ecological assessments, advise on ecological risks and determine when specialist surveys or technical expertise are required. You'll also coordinate external ecological consultants, ensuring their recommendations are proportionate, commercially sensible and aligned with project objectives.

As the Ecologist, you'll play a key role in supporting the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), providing technical ecological input throughout the planning process and helping shape habitat creation, enhancement and long-term management strategies across a wide variety of projects.

What You'll Be Doing
Undertake Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), habitat surveys and ecological site walkovers
Identify ecological constraints and opportunities across planning, restoration and development projects
Provide practical ecological advice that supports project delivery while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation
Assess when specialist ecological surveys or technical expertise are required
Coordinate and manage external ecological consultants where appropriate
Review ecological reports and recommendations to ensure they are practical, proportionate and aligned with project requirements
Support planning applications through the provision of ecological advice
Contribute to the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), including habitat creation, enhancement, long-term habitat management and application of the statutory Biodiversity Metric
Build strong working relationships with planners, engineers, project managers, regulators and external specialists
Undertake regular site visits across active quarry, restoration and development sitesWhat We're Looking For

The successful Ecologist will have experience undertaking preliminary ecological assessments and habitat surveys, together with a sound understanding of ecological legislation, planning and Biodiversity Net Gain.

You'll enjoy solving problems, making balanced decisions and working collaboratively to deliver practical environmental solutions. Commercial awareness, sound judgement and the confidence to recommend pragmatic ecological solutions will be key to success in the role.

You'll ideally have:

Experience undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) and habitat surveys
Good knowledge of UK habitats, protected species legislation and the planning system
Good understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and the statutory Biodiversity Metric
Experience supporting planning and development projects
Experience coordinating specialist ecological surveys or working with external ecological consultants
Excellent communication and report writing skills
Full UK driving licenceIf you're an experienced Ecologist looking to work on technically interesting projects where your expertise will influence planning, restoration and development from the outset, we'd love to hear from you.

This role is handled by McCarthy Recruitment, an award‑winning multi‑sector recruiter. We believe that you matter and care about unlocking your full potential. Work with us to find your perfect role and start your journey today.

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The Legal Bit:
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying for this role, you are explicitly consenting for McCarthy Recruitment to hold and process your data in compliance with GDPR