Location: Thurrock, Essex (On-site / Project-based)

Contract Type: Long-term Contract

Sector: Major Infrastructure (Highways & Civil Engineering)

About the Opportunity

We are currently recruiting a Senior Site Ecologist to spearhead the ecological delivery on a high-profile, major highways infrastructure project based in Thurrock, Essex.

This role is perfect for an experienced Ecologist who thrives in a fast-paced construction environment and excels at bridging the gap between engineering teams and environmental legislation. You will be joining a leading-edge highways delivery team, ensuring that a legacy of sustainability and environmental compliance is built into every phase of the project.

What You''ll Be Doing

As the senior ecological authority on site, you will work closely with the project Environmental Manager and Technical Specialists to lead environmental delivery. Your day-to-day will involve:

• Leadership & Compliance: Oversee the implementation of project ecological requirements and take ownership of developing and executing comprehensive ecological management plans.
• On-Site Advisory: Provide pragmatic, cost-effective advice to construction and operational teams, ensuring legal compliance while keeping construction moving forward.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain trusted relationships with design teams, clients, internal stakeholders, and environmental regulators.
• Systems & Governance: Maintain the project''s environmental management systems in line with evolving legislation, leading investigations and reporting on any ecological incidents on site.
• Mentorship: Coach and upskill on-site construction teams in applying practical ecological controls and mitigations.

What We Are Looking For (Essential)

• Expert Knowledge: Deep understanding of ecological management, mitigation strategies, and the specific environmental legislation governing large-scale developments.
• Construction Literacy: Strong familiarity with environmental management processes specifically within a utilities, construction, or civil engineering site environment.
• Commercial Acumen: A good level of commercial awareness to ensure ecological solutions are both compliant and practical for a major project budget.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills to liaise with everyone from site operatives to senior regulators, alongside solid MS Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Logistics: A full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel as required by the project.

Preferred Attributes (Desirable)

• Experience working on major, large-scale infrastructure or highways schemes.
• Educated to Degree or Master''s level in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Holder of at least one protected species survey licence (ideally Hazel Dormouse or Bat Level 1 / 2).
• Full Membership of CIEEM.
  

If you are interested, please hit apply!

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.