Ecology Lead

Waterman Aspen seeks a Nature Positive / Ecology Lead in Leeds, UK, at Principal to Technical Director level. The role involves ecological consultancy, biodiversity assessments, mitigation design, and project management for various clients. Candidates should have extensive experience in ecology, habitat classification, and environmental compliance. The company emphasizes career development, training, and a supportive work environment, while offering a competitive salary based on experience.
Job title: Nature Positive / Ecology Lead - Senior to Technical Director Level

Type: Perm

Salary: Dependent on experience, skills and location

An introduction to our unique company

Waterman Aspen welcomes engineers and technical specialists to make their mark by working on some of the biggest infrastructure projects or in delivering professional services across the UK. We specialise in secondment services, providing the right people, with the right skills for the job, at the right time. Our diverse client base includes local authorities, consultancies, public bodies and construction companies.

We take pride in supporting our colleagues throughout their careers. We're a people-centric organisation, placing mutual respect and dignity in the highest regard. This is reflected in our approach to issues such as mental health and wellbeing, family friendly policies, social value, and net zero. We're a Disability Confident Employer and an accredited Real Living Wage Employer.

We have big ambitions for the future, and we'd love for you to be part of it.

Your career with Waterman Aspen

You'll get all the benefits of being employed by us, while working on a variety of projects for our clients. Joining Waterman Aspen as a Nature Positive / Ecology Lead - Principal to Technical Director level will see you as a key member of the Water and Environment team and you can expect:
• A varied client base where you can apply and develop your skills
• Buy-in from clients to assist in your technical progression
• Further exposure to your chosen industry - increasing your awareness, knowledge and sharpening your skills
• The flexibility to broaden your horizons with each new secondment, without changing your employer
• Career development and training to reach your professional or academic qualification goals supported by our own network of mentors and managers
• Paid subscription to a professional body of your choice
• Regular social events and volunteering opportunities

Experience required

Essential:
• Ecology & Environmental Consultancy: Extensive experience in ecological consultancy or related fields, with a focus on protected species surveys, mitigation design, and habitat assessment.
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Proven track record of assessing BNG and developing and delivering BNG strategies in a variety of projects, ensuring measurable improvements.
• Mitigation Design: Expertise in designing and implementing species mitigation plans and ecological enhancements that comply with UK legislation and planning policies.
• UK Habitat Classification & Botanical Surveys: In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience conducting UK Habitat Classification surveys and botanical assessments.
• River Morphology & Nutrient Neutrality: Experience leading river morphology surveys and conducting nutrient neutrality assessments to ensure projects meet environmental standards for water quality.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage small, medium and large-scale ecological projects, including timelines, budgets, and team coordination, while maintaining high environmental standards.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated experience working with clients, local authorities, and regulatory bodies to meet project objectives and environmental obligations.
• Legislation & Compliance: Strong knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation, planning policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Leadership & Team Management: Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience managing teams of ecologists, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Business Development - proven track record of winning work streams via pre-positioning and developing winning bids

Desirable:
• Chartered Membership: Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) or working towards chartership with a relevant body (e.g., CIEEM).
• DEFRA Metric & Biodiversity Accounting: Experience with the DEFRA biodiversity metric and other biodiversity accounting frameworks.
• Innovative Nature-Positive Solutions: Experience in developing innovative, nature-positive strategies that balance conservation with development goals.
• GIS Mapping & Analysis: Proficiency in GIS and other ecological mapping and data analysis tools.