Ecologist

Location/s: Cardiff, UK
Recruiter contact: Steven Johnston

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. 

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual. 

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the division 
Environmental and social considerations are central to Mott MacDonald’s Purpose and its offerings across all sectors and territories. Our environment and social business provides essential services and innovative solutions which anticipate our clients' needs across all sectors.

Overview of the role

Mott MacDonald is a leader in Nature Services, and we are looking for talented ecologists to join our growing team and help integrate nature into development. Working alongside our clients, you will play a key role in delivering better outcomes for people, nature and communities.

We pride ourselves on setting and maintaining high standards and are at the forefront of ecological consultancy. Our team has authored industry guidance, delivered Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) training, and contributed to CIEEM Raising Standards documents, helping to shape best practice across the profession.

Innovation is central to how we work. We have developed our own digital tools and workflows to improve the efficiency and quality of ecological data collection and management, enabling our ecologists to focus on delivering meaningful environmental outcomes.

Our recent work includes providing biodiversity advice to enhance NHS hospital estates, delivering nature-based solutions for flood management and water treatment, and leading the development of Local Nature Recovery Strategies. We work across a diverse portfolio of sectors and clients, giving our ecologists the opportunity to contribute to projects that make a genuine difference.

Our Cardiff office supports a wide range of clients, including Welsh Water, Transport for Wales, Associated British Ports (ABP), Local Planning Authorities, North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), Great British Energy-Nuclear, the Environment Agency and Forestry England. Projects are located throughout Wales and the South West of England.

The Cardiff ecology team currently comprises 12 ecologists ranging from graduate ecologists through to technical director level. As part of Mott MacDonald's wider ecology community, you will also collaborate closely with colleagues across the UK, including a team of over 20 ecologists based in Bristol and Exeter.

As a Senior Ecologist, you will play a key role in delivering major infrastructure and development projects. The role is likely to involve a significant amount of site-based work, leading protected species surveys, habitat surveys, Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) activities and other technical fieldwork

You will also undertake office-based responsibilities, including report writing, data interpretation and analysis, and the preparation of health, safety and wellbeing briefings and documentation.

You will support senior colleagues in the successful delivery of complex projects, providing technical expertise and helping to maintain the high standards for which our team is known.The projects you work on will span all stages of the project lifecycle, from concept and design through to construction and implementation. This provides an excellent opportunity to influence scheme design, deliver measurable biodiversity benefits and promote industry best practice.

We offer excellent opportunities for career development and progression within a growing business. Whether your ambition is to develop technical expertise, lead major projects or progress into

management, you will be supported to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.

This role would suit a proactive and motivated team player who enjoys working in a collaborative environment and is keen to contribute to the continued growth and success of our ecology team.

Candidate specification

Essential:

• Degree in Ecology or a closely related subject. A higher degree (MSc or PhD) would be advantageous
• At least three years' experience in ecological consultancy, or equivalent experience with demonstrable transferable skills
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and ecological assessment processes, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs).Experience of leading protected species surveys across a range of development projects, including survey design, scope development, field delivery and coordination of survey results
• Strong report-writing skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, concise and high-quality technical reports, including ecological appraisals, survey reports and method statements

Desirable:

• A member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or equivalent
• Experience of project management, including programme and budget management
• Experience of preparing fee proposals and contributing to tender submissions
• Qualified tree climber with relevant certification and practical survey experience
• Holder of a personal conservation licence for one or more protected species (ideally bats or dormice) and/or FISC Level 4 accreditation, or the ability to achieve this following assessment
• Experience undertaking Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) duties and possession of a valid CSCS card
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK and work away from home where project requirements dictate

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Agile working  

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion