Our Water Company client is seeking an Associate Director Ecologist on a permanent basis with site visits, home working and being based out of Brighton offices.

They are seeking a candidate passionate about ecology and environmental sustainability who has existing leadership skills to manage ecology teams providing solutions on major engineering projects.

As a Associate Director/Principal Ecologist, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the design, maintenance, and construction of vital water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You'll manage a team of ecologists and subcontractors, ensuring that ecological risks are well–managed throughout project delivery, from design to completion. Your expertise will drive solutions that not only mitigate risks but also enhance the natural environment.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead ecology surveys, assessments, and ecological risk management across various projects.
• Manage and guide a team of ecologists, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure ecological considerations are incorporated into project design and delivery.
• Oversee the financial management of ecology aspects, ensuring cost–effective solutions.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to junior ecologists, supporting their professional development.

Skills/experience/qualifications

• A Chartered Environmental Professional (preferably a Full Member of CIEEM) with strong technical expertise in UK ecology, including protected species surveys and environmental impact assessments.
• Proven experience managing teams of ecologists and delivering large–scale projects in the UK water industry or a comparable field.
• A Natural England European Protected Species (EPS) Development Licence (within the last 3 years) and experience in completing EPS Licence applications.
• A strong understanding of UK Environmental Legislation and the ability to provide technical guidance to diverse project teams.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and decision–making skills.
• This role will be full time Monday to Friday 37 hours a week.
• Site visits across Kent, Hampshire and Sussex as well as Brighton office days/home working
• Company and performance–related bonus
• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car /mileage coverage to be discussed based on candidate location