HRA Specialist

Ready to take your Habitat Regulations Assessment expertise to the next level?
Join a leading environmental consultancy where your technical knowledge will shape nationally significant projects and drive high-quality ecological outcomes.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

We are seeking a Senior to Associate level ecologist with strong experience in Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) to join our national team. You will play a key role in delivering HRA services across a wide range of sectors including residential, energy, infrastructure, minerals and defence, supporting projects throughout the UK and Ireland.

Working within a multidisciplinary consultancy, you will collaborate with planning, engineering and environmental specialists to deliver robust, compliant and innovative HRA solutions, contributing to both project success and the continued growth of our technical capability.

Your Impact in this Position

You will lead and coordinate HRA inputs across multiple projects, preparing and reviewing key deliverables such as Likely Significant Effects screenings and Reports to Inform Appropriate Assessment.

Your expertise will support high-quality project delivery, strengthen client relationships and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. You will also contribute to team development through mentoring, technical review and sharing industry knowledge, helping to build capability across the wider ecology team.

Core Capabilities

Technical Expertise in HRA

• Lead preparation and review of HRA deliverables, including LSE screenings and RIAA reports
• Apply strong understanding of HRA processes, guidance and best practice

Project Management & Delivery

• Manage a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple sectors
• Coordinate HRA inputs and ensure timely, high-quality outputs

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong client relationships

Leadership & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor colleagues and support technical development across the team
• Provide quality assurance and contribute to continuous improvement

Strategic Awareness & Growth

• Monitor industry developments and communicate changes internally
• Identify opportunities for business development and service growth

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience in Habitat Regulations Assessment, ideally including plan-level HRA
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, policy and guidance
• Experience managing projects and engaging with stakeholders
• Relevant degree in ecology or related field; CIEEM membership desirable
• Public Inquiry experience beneficial but not essential

Working Environment

This role offers fully flexible, hybrid working across a network of UK offices, with no fixed office attendance requirements. You can work where and when you are most effective, with options for flexible hours, compressed or reduced working patterns, supporting a strong work-life balance.