Ecologist
Help Deliver Sustainable Development and Positive Biodiversity Outcomes Across the UK
Tetra Tech is seeking to recruit an Ecologist to join our Ecology team based in Southampton or Abingdon. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, residential, commercial and infrastructure projects while developing your ecological consultancy career within one of the UK's leading environmental teams.
Working alongside experienced ecologists and multidisciplinary specialists, you will support the delivery of ecological surveys, assessments and reporting that help clients achieve successful project outcomes while protecting and enhancing biodiversity. This role offers exposure to a wide variety of habitats, species and development sectors, providing excellent opportunities for professional growth and technical development.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
As an Ecologist, you will support the delivery of ecological surveys, assessments and environmental reporting across a broad range of projects throughout the UK. You will assist with habitat and protected species surveys, ecological data collection and the preparation of technical reports that inform planning and development decisions.
Working closely with senior ecologists, planners, environmental consultants and engineers, you will help deliver practical ecological solutions that balance development needs with environmental protection. Your responsibilities will include supporting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), habitat management proposals and wider ecological advisory services.
The role combines field-based survey work with office-based technical reporting, providing valuable experience across multiple project sectors and ecological disciplines. It is ideally suited to someone looking to build a long-term career within ecological consultancy and develop specialist expertise over time.
Your Impact in this Position
Your work will contribute directly to the collection of accurate ecological information that supports planning applications, environmental assessments and sustainable development projects. By helping identify ecological constraints, opportunities and risks at an early stage, you will play an important role in protecting biodiversity and supporting informed decision-making.
In your first year, you will develop confidence in undertaking habitat and protected species surveys, contributing to ecological reporting and building strong relationships with colleagues and project teams. As your experience grows, you will take increasing ownership of survey programmes, technical assessments and project deliverables while developing specialist knowledge in areas such as Biodiversity Net Gain, Ecological Impact Assessment or protected species work.
Over the longer term, you will build the technical capability, project experience and professional credibility required to progress your ecological consultancy career, contributing to complex projects that deliver lasting environmental and sustainability benefits.
Your Toolkit for Success at Tetra Tech
Ecological Field Skills & Survey Experience
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You will bring practical experience of ecological survey techniques gained through employment, volunteering, internships or academic studies. You will have an understanding of habitat survey methodologies, protected species fieldwork and ecological data collection, together with a strong interest in developing your survey capabilities across a wide range of habitats and species groups. You will demonstrate a commitment to safe working practices, accurate field recording and the delivery of high-quality ecological outputs.
Technical Reporting & Ecological Assessment
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You will possess strong written communication skills and the ability to contribute to clear, accurate and well-structured technical reports. You will be comfortable analysing and interpreting ecological data and developing your knowledge of ecological guidance, standards and best practice. Experience or familiarity with Ecological Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat assessment methodologies will be beneficial.
Learning & Professional Development
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You will demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for ecological consultancy and a commitment to continued professional development. You will be open to feedback, eager to learn from experienced colleagues and motivated to build your technical knowledge and confidence. You will actively seek opportunities to expand your ecological expertise and develop specialist interests as your career progresses.
Teamwork, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
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You will be a collaborative team player who works effectively with multidisciplinary colleagues and project stakeholders. You will communicate ecological information clearly and professionally, adapting your approach to both technical and non-technical audiences. Your positive attitude, relationship-building skills and willingness to support team objectives will contribute to successful project delivery.
Environmental Awareness & Professional Standards
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You will have a developing understanding of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and environmental best practice. You will apply this knowledge responsibly while maintaining high standards of quality, health and safety and professional conduct. As your experience grows, you will strengthen your understanding of regulatory requirements and contribute to robust, evidence-based ecological recommendations.
Mandatory Requirements
You will hold a degree, or equivalent qualification, in Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences or a related discipline. You will have some practical ecological survey experience gained through employment, volunteering, internships or academic study, together with a basic understanding of UK habitats, species and wildlife legislation.
You will possess strong communication, organisational and report writing skills, along with a genuine enthusiasm for developing a career within ecological consultancy. A full UK driving licence, or active progress towards obtaining one, will be required to facilitate travel to survey locations.
Beneficial Experience
Membership of CIEEM, or eligibility to join, would be advantageous. Experience undertaking ecological surveys, familiarity with UKHab survey methodologies, knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain principles, protected species survey experience and GIS or ecological mapping skills would also be beneficial.
Work Patterns and Locations
The role is based from our Southampton or Abingdon office and supports hybrid working between office and home locations. Regular site work will be required throughout the survey season, including early mornings, evening surveys and occasional overnight stays where project requirements dictate. The position provides exposure to a diverse range of projects across the renewable energy, residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors, offering excellent opportunities to develop field skills, technical expertise and consultancy experience.
Why join Tetra Tech?
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.
We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role. #LI-LD1
