Overview

SLR has a great opportunity for a Principal/Technical Director Ecology Data Manager l to join our fast-growing, expert team in the UK.

It’s an exciting time within SLR’s Ecology team. The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species.

We’re looking for a forward‑thinking Principal/Technical Director Ecology Data Manager to lead the next generation of digital transformation in ecological assessment, habitat mapping, and protected species work across Europe. If you’re someone who thrives at the intersection of ecology and technology and you’re excited by the idea of building tools, writing code, and designing smarter systems this role puts you right at the centre of that evolution.

The ecology team works alongside several other environmental professionals within the organisation, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects and engineers across Europe.

You will be the driving force behind automation and efficiency within our European ecology function. Working closely with our European Ecology and Biodiversity Practice Lead, you’ll design and implement innovative digital solutions that streamline ecological workflows, enhance data quality, and unlock new analytical capabilities.

This is a role for someone who wants to build, not just maintain. You’ll have the freedom to experiment, prototype, and deploy new systems that reshape how we collect, analyse, and deliver ecological data.

What You’ll Lead:

  • Automation of ecological workflows — from habitat classification to protected species data processing, reporting, and mapping.
  • Development of new digital tools and systems, including scripts, dashboards, and data pipelines.
  • Innovation in ecological data management, identifying opportunities to improve speed, accuracy, and consistency across European projects.
  • Integration of ecological datasets from multiple countries, ensuring interoperability and high data standards.
  • Collaboration with ecologists across Europe, understanding their needs and translating them into practical, scalable digital solutions.
  • Technical leadership, helping shape our long‑term digital ecology strategy.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Strong experience in ecology, environmental data, or biodiversity assessment.
  • Proficiency in coding and automation (e.g., Python, R, SQL, JavaScript, or similar).
  • Experience developing data systems, tools, or workflows ideally within an environmental or scientific context.
  • A passion for innovation, problem‑solving, and improving how ecological work is done.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with technical and non‑technical colleagues across multiple countries.
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