Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist

Shape Environmental Outcomes Across the UK and Ireland

Tetra Tech RPS is seeking to appoint a Senior Ecologist to join our Planning & Environmental team. Based in our Belfast office, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of ecological, environmental and planning projects across the UK and Ireland.

The position is based in a large, permanently desked office located on the edge of the city with on site parking, strong public transport connections and easy access to major road networks. The role supports hybrid working, with an expectation of two to three days per week in the office to facilitate mentoring, collaboration and team coordination. Flexible working arrangements can be accommodated where project responsibilities allow.

The multi‑disciplinary environment provides exposure to a wide range of significant projects, including marine, coastal, regeneration and renewable related developments.

As a Senior Ecologist, you will be responsible for delivering high‑quality ecological input across a wide portfolio of projects. You will take a lead role in designing and undertaking ecological surveys, interpreting data, assessing habitats and species, and producing clear, robust and well‑structured reports to support planning applications, marine licensing processes and related environmental approvals. You will liaise with clients, regulators, colleagues and wider project teams to ensure that ecological considerations are integrated into planning, design and construction from the outset.

You will support the coordination of multidisciplinary project teams, contribute to feasibility assessments, undertake research and analysis, and represent RPS in community or stakeholder consultations where required. Your work will combine office‑based report writing with site‑based survey activity throughout the UK and Ireland, offering a varied and engaging workload across different landscapes and development types. You will also contribute to business development, supporting senior leaders in maintaining client relationships and identifying opportunities that strengthen our ecological service offering.

Your work will directly influence the environmental quality and ecological integrity of development projects across the region. By bringing technical insight, sound judgement and attention to detail, you will help clients understand the ecological implications of their proposals and support them in achieving regulatory compliance while enhancing biodiversity outcomes. You will play an important role in shaping sustainable design approaches, identifying mitigation measures and supporting the delivery of nature‑positive solutions that contribute to environmental resilience.

As you progress in the role, you will further develop your sector expertise, contribute to technical leadership within the ecology team and support the continual improvement of our methodologies, reporting standards and client service. Your contribution will be reflected in the clarity of your advice, the confidence you inspire in clients and the added value you bring to complex environmental and planning projects.

You will bring strong technical experience in Phase 1 habitat assessments, protected species surveys and ecological appraisal, supported by a solid understanding of the ecological characteristics of the UK and Ireland. Your experience in undertaking bat surveys, mammal surveys and wider ecological fieldwork will inform your ability to interpret environmental constraints, analyse data and produce clear, evidence‑based recommendations. You will be confident reviewing construction and design plans, understanding how proposals manifest on the ground and identifying ecological opportunities and risks at each project stage.

Your interest in ecology will be reflected in your commitment to high standards, scientific accuracy and environmental stewardship.

You will be an effective communicator who can liaise confidently with clients, colleagues,…