_{17th February, 2026}

As a Senior Marine Ecologist, you will to lead and conduct high profile environmental assessments to support delivery of trials on the MoD estate. This role is ideal for a technical specialist with a strong track record in Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), marine impact assessment, and experience supporting defence industry clients, including MOD estate, naval infrastructure, and sensitive marine operations.
Day-to-day, you will work in a growing team delivering environmental support across coastal and marine environments which encompass complex consenting, environmental risk, and regulatory compliance challenges.
 
Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and quality assuring HRA (screening, Appropriate Assessment, test of likely significance) for coastal and marine trials, projects, and operations
• Providing senior technical input to marine ecology chapters within Sustainability Appraisals, Marine Licenses and HRA
• Designing and overseeing marine surveys (intertidal, subtidal, benthic, fish, marine mammals, and supporting oceanographic parameters)
• Interpreting complex ecological datasets and providing robust, defensible technical conclusions 
• Provide specialist ecological advice for defence trial planning, in-water works, vessel operations and sonar/noise impacts
• Building strong working relationships with clients, including the Ministry of Defence, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Royal Navy, defence contractors, environmental consultants, regulators, and statutory nature conservation bodies in all devolved areas, the Marine Management Organisation, and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Essential experience of the Senior Marine Ecologist: 

• In depth knowledge of the CIEEM Competency Framework
• Experience working with or for defence clients (MOD, DIO, Royal Navy, defence contractors) desirable. 
• Must have completed multiple HRAs, including Level 2 Appropriate Assessments and complex project-level HRAs
• Proven capability in preparing, reviewing, and quality-assuring technical reports
• Extensive experience delivering and leading HRAs for marine or coastal projects 

Essential qualifications for the Senior Marine Ecologist:

• Relevant degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or other related discipline
• Chartered Environmentalist and/or full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) 

 Benefits:

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Competitive holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
• Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
• Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.
UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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