Associate Director Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the water industry is seeking an Associate Director/Principal Ecologist to manage ecology teams and drive innovative solutions for engineering projects. The role involves overseeing ecological risk management and ensuring compliance with environmental standards while mentoring junior ecologists. A hybrid working model is offered, along with competitive benefits.

Benefits

Company and performance-related bonus

Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

25 days annual leave

Life assurance equal to 4x salary

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

Fully funded eye tests

Two paid volunteering days a year

Discounts with over 800 popular retailers

Competitive maternity leave

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing teams of ecologists.
• Strong technical expertise in UK ecology.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecology surveys and assessments.
• Manage a team of ecologists and subcontractors.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Decision-Making

Education

Chartered Environmental Professional

CIEEM Full Member

Job description

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Location: Across Southern Water Patch – Mondays based in our Brighton office other days mixture of Sites Visits and Home Working

Salary: up to £65,000 depending on skills and experience

Job Overview

Are you passionate about ecology and environmental sustainability? Do you have the leadership skills to manage ecology teams while driving innovative solutions for a range of engineering projects?

About the Role
As a Associate Director/Principal Ecologist, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the design, maintenance, and construction of vital water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You’ll manage a team of ecologists and subcontractors, ensuring that ecological risks are well-managed throughout project delivery, from design to completion. Your expertise will drive solutions that not only mitigate risks but also enhance the natural environment.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead ecology surveys, assessments, and ecological risk management across various projects.
• Manage and guide a team of ecologists, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure ecological considerations are incorporated into project design and delivery.
• Oversee the financial management of ecology aspects, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to junior ecologists, supporting their professional development.

About You

• A Chartered Environmental Professional (preferably a Full Member of CIEEM) with strong technical expertise in UK ecology, including protected species surveys and environmental impact assessments.
• Proven experience managing teams of ecologists and delivering large-scale projects in the UK water industry or a comparable field.
• A Natural England European Protected Species (EPS) Development Licence (within the last 3 years) and experience in completing EPS Licence applications.
• A strong understanding of UK Environmental Legislation and the ability to provide technical guidance to diverse project teams.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and decision-making skills.

Package

This role will be full time Monday to Friday 37 hours a week.

Southern Water operate a hybrid approach to working between our Brighton office and home.

We are offering a salary of up to £65,000 per annum depending on skills and experience as well as other benefits including:

• Company and performance-related bonus

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

• 25 days annual leave

• Life assurance equal to 4x salary

• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)

• Full funded eye tests

• Two paid volunteering days a year

• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers

• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options

• Cycle to work scheme

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose.