Senior Ecologist - Manchester - £38,000–£46,000


Company:	Agricultural Recruitment Specialists
Salary:	£38,000 to £46,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Manchester, M1
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	6 Oct 2026
Closing date:	4 Nov 2026

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Summary

Ecologist

The Job:

This is a senior technical role covering a varied portfolio of ecology projects, with a particular focus on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). You will take responsibility for projects from initial discussions through to delivery, while also supporting clients, developing junior colleagues and contributing to the continued growth of the ecology team.

The role would suit an experienced consultant who is confident managing projects, providing technical advice and building strong client relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage a range of ecological projects from initial scoping and client discussions through to completion

- Provide specialist advice on Biodiversity Net Gain, including assessments, strategies and use of the statutory biodiversity metric

- Develop habitat creation, enhancement and management proposals, including Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans

- Prepare and review technical ecological reports and supporting planning documentation

- Provide technical input across planning and development projects, including EIA and EcIA work

- Manage project budgets, programmes, resources and client expectations

- Maintain strong relationships with existing clients and contribute to new business opportunities and fee proposals

- Support and develop junior members of the ecology team through mentoring and technical guidance

- Maintain high standards of technical quality, professional practice, health and safety and environmental compliance

- Work collaboratively with colleagues, clients, landowners and other project stakeholders

The Company:

An established environmental consultancy delivering ecological and environmental services across a broad range of development and land-based projects.

The business has a strong technical focus and works with a varied client base, offering opportunities to work on complex projects while developing both technical and commercial expertise.

The Candidate:

- Minimum 5 years' consultancy-based ecology experience, with full CIEEM membership and a strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning requirements and ecological assessment

- Strong technical experience in Biodiversity Net Gain, including the statutory biodiversity metric, habitat enhancement and creation, BNG strategies and associated management and monitoring plans

- Good experience across ecological assessment and planning, including EIA/EcIA, technical reporting and protected species or licensing work

- Proven project management ability, including budgets, programmes, client management and coordinating project teams, together with strong commercial awareness

- Experience in a specialist ecological area, with additional experience such as protected species licences, Habitat Regulations Assessments, off-site BNG or GIS being advantageous

- Confident communicator with the ability to build client relationships, mentor less experienced colleagues and contribute to business development

- Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple projects effectively; a full UK driving licence and willingness to travel or occasionally work away from home are essential

The Package:

- Salary £38,000–£46,000 salary DOE

- Opportunity to work on varied and technically challenging ecology projects

- Senior position with responsibility for project delivery and client relationships

- Opportunities to mentor and develop junior colleagues

- Continued professional and technical development

- Opportunity to contribute to business growth and develop your career within an established consultancy

Please email your CV to Liam Davis, Senior Delivery Recruitment Consultant, LDavis@agriRS.co.uk.

Candidate Requirements

All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.

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About Agricultural Recruitment Specialists

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists is a market-leading, specialist recruitment partner connecting top talent with leading organisations across the agriculture, farming, food and fresh produce, horticulture, environmental, and rural sectors.

Why Work With Us?

With deep industry knowledge and an extensive global network, we are uniquely positioned to connect high-calibre professionals with forward-thinking organisations. Our consultative approach ensures we deliver not just candidates, but long-term value.

Get in Touch

Visit www.agriRS.com or speak to our specialist team on +44 (0)1905 345 155 to find out more.

Connecting outstanding talent with leading organisations worldwide.

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