Chief Ecologist & Project Leader

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £55,000–£65,000

Professional development

Career progression

Mentoring ecology team

Job summary

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists in Manchester is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead a varied ecological portfolio and provide technical leadership across surveys, reporting and mitigation. The role combines ecology with project management, client liaison and mentoring to drive growth of the ecology team.

We are looking for someone with 5+ years of ecological consultancy experience, a relevant degree and MCIEEM membership, and strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' professional ecological consultancy experience.
• Degree or higher in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline with MCIEEM membership.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning requirements and ecological assessment.
• Experience with protected species and habitats and related licences.
• Proven project management and commercial awareness, including budgets and tenders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a varied portfolio of ecological projects from initial client discussions to completion.
• Provide senior technical input across surveys, assessments, reporting, mitigation and protected species work.
• Prepare and review ecological documentation (PEA, EcIA, HRA).
• Develop mitigation, compensation and habitat enhancement measures and advise on implementation.
• Provide ECoW support and ensure compliance with legislation and standards.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resources and risk to deliver efficiently and commercially.
• Build relationships with clients, planning professionals, statutory bodies and stakeholders.
• Assist tenders, fee proposals and business development opportunities.
• Mentor Ecologists and support their professional development.
• Contribute to team planning, QA, health and safety, and growth of the ecology service.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Client liaison

Communication

Problem solving

Organisation

Education

Ecology degree

Environmental Science degree

MCIEEM membership

Job description

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists in Manchester is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead a varied ecological portfolio and provide technical leadership across surveys, reporting and mitigation. The role combines ecology with project management, client liaison and mentoring to drive growth of the ecology team.

We are looking for someone with 5+ years of ecological consultancy experience, a relevant degree and MCIEEM membership, and strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation.