Ecologists All Levels

The Vacancy

Ecologist (All Levels)

Are you an inspiring or experienced ecologist looking for your new challenge within the ecology sector?

Want to be involved on exciting new projects and learn from our industry leading experts?

Well then SES could have your next role right here!

About The Role

Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) part of the wider RSK Group is seeking Ecologists at all career stages to join our growing and supportive team. Whether you are early in your consultancy career or an experienced ecologist looking to progress, this role offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects across the UK, with genuine flexibility and strong mentoring.

The role is well suited to ecologists with strong field and reporting skills, including those developing or holding botanical, protected species or BNG specialisms. You will be supported to manage your own workload, develop technical expertise, and shape your career within SES and the wider RSK Group.

Main Responsibilities:

Depending on your experience and expertise, responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking baseline habitat surveys, assessments and reporting (including UKHab)
• Carrying out and/or supporting protected species surveys (e.g. bats, GCN, nesting birds)
• Preparing high-quality technical reports such as PEAs, EcIAs, protected species reports and BNG inputs
• Managing your own projects or supporting senior colleagues on more complex schemes
• Coordinating survey programmes, milestones and seasonal constraints
• Working collaboratively with SES ecologists across regions to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery
• Communicating effectively with clients to support timely and pragmatic project outcomes
  
  
  

Introduction to SES:

Southern Ecological Solutions is a trusted consultancy specialising in Ecology, Arboriculture, and Landscape Planning & Design. For over a decade, weve built a reputation for delivering pragmatic, innovative solutions to clients ranging from global corporations to private homeowners. At SES, you’ll have the opportunity to advance your career while contributing to environmentally sustainable growth. Be part of a company that champions innovation and values its people as much as the environment.

We are also 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.

Key Experience & Qualifications:

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in ecology or a related discipline.
• Good working knowledge of UK ecology, legislation and survey methodologies.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate technical reports.
• Proactive approach to managing time, workloads and project delivery.
  
  
  

Desirable (depending on level):

• Botanical skills (including FISC Level 3 or 4, or working towards)
• Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain and UKHab assessments.
• One or more protected species licences (e.g. bats, GCN)
• CIEEM membership (or eligibility)
• Experience working within planning policy frameworks (e.g. NPPF and Local Plans)
  
  
  

You will also be required to have a full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle for any ecology roles within SES.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Being adaptable and happy working in different environments within the field.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good observation and interpretation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
  
  
  

Why Join Us?

Company Benefits:

• Salary Competitive Depending on experience.
• Birthday Leave: Enjoy a day off to celebrate your birthday in addition to your annual leave.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: Start with 23 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 28 days.
• Life Assurance: Benefit from our life assurance plan to provide peace of mind.
• Hybrid working: Flexible working from home, site and the office with flexible working hours (role dependant).
• 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: Support, and rapid progression for ambitious candidates.
• Professional membership: Fees will be covered by the company.
  
  
  

Apply today or for any further information or queries about the role please do get in touch with the team today.

RSK Group is an Inclusive Employer

#RSKGroup #ecology #botany #plants #consultancy #surveys #wildife

About Us

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. Were committed to preserving RSKs 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 youre 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?

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