Ecologist

Ecologist

Shape Environmental Outcomes Across the UK and Ireland

Tetra Tech is seeking to recruit Ecologists to join our Planning & Environmental team. Based in our Belfast office, this role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to ecological, environmental and planning projects across the UK and Ireland while developing your technical skills within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

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

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As an Ecologist, you will support the delivery of ecological assessments, field surveys and environmental reporting across a broad portfolio of projects. You will assist in the planning and completion of ecological surveys, help collect and analyse data, and contribute to the preparation of clear, structured ecological reports for planning and environmental submissions. Working alongside more senior colleagues, you will help ensure that ecological considerations are integrated into project design and development from the outset.

Your role will include supporting desk studies, feasibility assessments, stakeholder engagement activities and the coordination of multidisciplinary project teams. You will balance office‑based reporting with site visits across the UK and Ireland, gaining experience across a range of habitats and species. You will also work closely with senior members of the team, contributing to client relationships and helping to strengthen the ecological service offering as your experience grows.

Your Impact in this Position

Your contribution will play an important role in gathering accurate ecological data, supporting the preparation of environmental assessments and helping identify opportunities to protect and enhance biodiversity. You will help clients understand ecological constraints and contribute to the development of proportionate, nature‑positive solutions. Your work will support sustainable design, informed decision‑making and the delivery of environmental outcomes that contribute to resilient and responsible development.

As you grow within the role, you will expand your fieldwork experience, develop your technical knowledge and build confidence in delivering ecological inputs independently. You will contribute to the team’s continued commitment to high-quality science, clear communication and consistent service delivery. Your progression will be reflected in your developing technical capability, the reliability of your reporting and the trust you build with colleagues and clients.

Your Toolkit for Success at Tetra Tech

Ecological Expertise & Technical Capability

• You will bring foundational experience in ecological survey techniques, such as Phase 1 habitat surveys and protected species fieldwork. You will have an interest in bat, mammal and wider ecological survey methods, together with a developing understanding of habitat classification, species identification and ecological appraisal. You will be keen to build your technical capability, apply scientific principles accurately and develop the practical skills needed to deliver high‑quality ecological assessments.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• You will be a clear and confident communicator who is comfortable engaging with colleagues, clients, regulators and stakeholders. You will be able to explain ecological findings in a concise and accessible way, supporting both technical and non‑technical audiences in understanding ecological considerations. You will bring a collaborative approach and a willingness to learn from experienced team members, contributing positively to project delivery and team relationships.

Project Delivery & Management

• You will demonstrate good organisational and time‑management skills, contributing to the progression of projects from early concept through to completion. You will be able to work independently on assigned tasks while supporting the coordination of project delivery with the wider team. You will be competent in using GIS and Microsoft Office applications and able to produce clear, well‑structured written outputs. Your motivation, adaptability and attention to detail will underpin your ongoing development and success in the role.

Regulatory Awareness & Environmental Governance

• You will bring an emerging understanding of UK and/or Irish environmental legislation, protected species requirements and planning‑related ecological considerations. You will begin applying this knowledge to support ecological mitigation, enhancement and compliance measures. As your experience grows, you will develop increased confidence in navigating regulatory processes, interpreting legislation and contributing to proportionate, evidence‑based ecological recommendations.

Mandatory Requirements

You will hold a degree in an ecological or environmental discipline and be a member of CIEEM or an equivalent professional body, or be actively working toward membership. You will have a full current driving licence and access to transport to enable travel to survey sites across the UK and Ireland. You will demonstrate strong communication, presentation and report writing skills, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Work Patterns and Locations

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.

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.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.