Job Description

Senior Ecologist (Water Industry)
Are you an experienced ecologist with experience within the water industry?
Looking for a fresh new challenge within your career?
Want to be a part of a team with an inclusive, dynamic working culture that values collaboration, technical excellence, and career progression?
Well then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
SES is an established ecological consultancy with specialist services across terrestrial ecology, aquatic ecology, habitat restoration, UKHab, BNG assessments, and protected species licensing. As part of the RSK Group, we work at the interface of nature conservation, infrastructure development, and environmental innovation.
We've built a strong track record delivering ecological solutions for water utility companies, regulatory authorities, engineering consultancies, and landowners. Our work spans catchment-wide biodiversity assessments, habitat enhancement delivery, river corridor assessments, and protected species mitigation linked to water infrastructure schemes.
The role:
Southern Ecological Solutions (SES), part of the RSK Group, is currently seeking a driven Senior Ecologist to lead and expand our delivery of high-quality ecological and habitat services across the water sector. This is a full-time, permanent role based in the Midlands, North of England or South East, with flexible hybrid or remote working options available.
You will have strong technical ecology credentials, experience in water-linked infrastructure or conservation projects, and a passion for delivering pragmatic, value-driven solutions in complex environments. You will also take the lead on major projects, manage ecological inputs into freshwater and terrestrial schemes, and contribute to the strategic growth of SES's Midlands ecology team.
Your Role:
Project Leadership & Delivery

• Manage and oversee ecological surveys, impact assessments, and mitigation strategies for major water-related and terrestrial infrastructure projects.
• Lead UKHab, BNG, and protected species assessments for pipeline routes, reservoir works, nature-based solutions, and mine water remediation.
• Deliver high-quality outputs aligned with client objectives and regulatory compliance.

Client Engagement & Work Winning

• Build trusted relationships with clients across the water, utilities, and environmental sectors.
• Identify opportunities to grow our presence in aquatic ecology, river restoration, and biodiversity net gain delivery.
• Prepare tenders and contribute to framework bids across sectors.

Team Mentoring & Development

• Support and mentor junior ecologists and field survey teams across the Midlands and North.
• Help embed SES's high standards of data integrity, health and safety, and ecological best practice.

Technical and Strategic Contribution

• Provide senior oversight on complex ecological scopes, bringing a pragmatic, solution-led approach to risk and mitigation.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and represent SES within professional networks and industry forums.
• Promote innovation in data collection, remote survey methods, and GIS-based habitat mapping across water environments.

Key experience & Qualifications:
Ideally you will have a minimum of 5 years' consultancy experience with significant field and project management skills. You will also have demonstrable leadership in delivering ecology services on water, wetland, or aquatic habitat projects.
A strong understanding of UKHab classification and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics and previous experience mentoring staff and leading field teams would be desirable.
You will also have:

• A degree (or higher) in ecology or a related field.
• FISC Level 4 or equivalent botanical ID experience strongly desirable or experienced with protected species.

A full UK driving license and willingness to travel to field locations would be required for this role.
What We Offer:
Along with a competitive salary of between 30,000 - 40,000+ based on experience and qualifications, you will also enjoy a wide range of other benefits including:

• Birthday Leave: Enjoy a day off to celebrate your birthday.
• Life Assurance: Benefit from our life assurance plan to provide peace of mind.
• Pension Contributions: Receive contributions to your pension plan to support your future.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: Start with 20 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 28 days.
• Private Medical Insurance: Access private medical insurance to take care of your health.
• Flexible Benefits Programme: Tailor your benefits with options to buy additional holidays, health cash plans, and discounted gym memberships, allowing you to choose what suits you best.
• Targeted CPD plan and rapid progression for ambitious candidates.

Apply today or for any further information or queries please do get in touch.
RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
#ecology #water #surveys #environment #rskgroup #hiringnow #joinus
We are a multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in ecology, habitat management, arboriculture, and landscape design, based in Essex, UK. Since our company's founding, we have grown to become a leading UK provider of specialist ecological, arboricultural and landscape design consulting services. We are known for devising sustainable, pragmatic, and client-focused solutions. Our diverse portfolio includes clients in the fields of infrastructure, development, conservation charities and individual bespoke projects. Our business is continuing to expand into new markets, and we are forming new teams to meet future challenges.
SES has a team of 52 qualified ecologists, landscape architects, arboriculturists and coordination and support staff. Currently, we're working with Barratt Homes and the RSPB on a large residential housing development, Kingsbrook, a case study in the biodiversity net gain best practice principles for development. Our ecological work includes due diligence reporting, land appraisals, habitat design and creation, protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments. Landscape design and planning services teams specialise in strategic projects, combining an innovative and context-led approach to design.
SES is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.
At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.
Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.
By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office-based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments.
We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.
If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?