Senior Ecologist

We are looking for a new team member to use their skills and experience to make a difference to peoples' lives, encourage sustainability and help protect and improve the natural environment.

Our vision and mission have never been more relevant. Across the UK governments are pledging investment and action on walking and cycling with an increasing demand for high quality infrastructure. As part of this we are keen to further develop the National Cycle Network as a network for nature, as well as people. To help achieve this Sustrans produced a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in October 2023.

As the Senior Ecologist you will advise staff on all ecological aspects of Sustrans work across the north of England, as well as parts of Scotland and Wales (as required).

In collaboration with colleagues and partners across a wide range of disciplines, you will undertake field surveys, manage ecological and arboricultural sub-consultants, prepare reports to support planning applications and use your expertise to help shape the design of new walking and cycling paths so that they benefit people and wildlife.

Candidates should be based within the geographical area with regular travel expected to either hub base in Manchester or Leeds.

You should be a skilled ecologist with significant experience in relevant previous roles and a higher-level vocational qualification, or degree in ecology or associated subject.

Your expertise will help to embed best ecological practice across the charity and shape our approach to delivering biodiversity improvement as part of route management and construction activity across the UK, with an emphasis on projects in our Northern region.

As an excellent communicator, you will have good verbal and written communications skills demonstrable in ability to communicate effectively to a range of different audiences. You will also be skilled in ecological report writing including reviewing and interpreting third party reports.

About Sustrans

At Sustrans you'll be part of a movement to make it easier for people to walk and cycle.

We're all here to change things! You'll be part of an incredible community of talented, passionate, creative, problem solvers all working together to change things for the better. We act locally and think big - we have a vision of a society where the way we travel creates healthier places and happier lives for everyone.

You'll be questioning the status quo and daring to imagine a different world. You'll work on exciting, impactful projects that will stretch and empower you and you'll be rewarded by seeing the difference you make to people, communities and the planet.

We believe including everyone is central to who we are and what we want to achieve, we welcome difference and pride ourselves on creating a culture where you can be yourself and where your wellness is supported.

In return we can offer true hybrid working to suit individual circumstances and a flexible, supportive and rewarding working environment.

Wellbeing

28 days' leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time working
Ability to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff)
Staff volunteer days
24/7 free, impartial and confidential support service
We are members of the Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme who both offer cycle to work schemes

Financial

Group Personal Pension scheme with a 6% or 7% of basic salary contribution being matched by Sustrans
Bike, computer and season ticket loans
Discount benefits
London Weighting Allowance of £4,530 for all those living within a London Borough (32 local authority districts plus the City of London)
Death in Service benefit - 3 x annual Salary

Family Friendly

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday)