Ecologist

Kate on Conservation; Norwich; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

SOCOTEC is seeking an experienced Ecologist to lead technically challenging projects across the UK. The role requires autonomous project ownership, mentorship to junior staff, and extensive ecological consultancy experience across infrastructure, utilities, development and conservation sectors.

You will lead diverse surveys (bats, birds, reptiles, great crested newts, dormice, badgers and more) and contribute to business growth, tendering, and client liaison while maintaining high safety and

Qualifications

• Hold a Natural England Level 2 Class Licence with demonstrable experience of independently leading bat survey programmes and contributing to mitigation licensing.
• Hold full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Proven experience in leading ecological surveys and assessments.
• Ability to manage projects independently with minimal supervision, delivering on time and to a high standard of quality and safety.
• Strong technical report writing and communication skills.
• Capable of contributing to proposals, tenders and other business operations.
• Ability to manage workload to meet operational and financial targets.
• Commitment to CPD for business growth.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Understanding of quality and financial systems and compliance.
• Ability to maintain safety and survey equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct a wide range of ecological surveys across multiple species.
• Independently undertake bat surveys using Level 2 licence and apply for mitigation licences.
• Prepare and deliver Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments.
• Produce comprehensive ecological survey reports and technical assessments to professional standards.
• Lead fieldwork operations with accurate data collection and detailed notes.
• Undertake out-of-hours surveys and protected species survey work.
• Manage complex ecological projects from inception to completion.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Maintain data records in line with industry standards.
• Take full responsibility for project deadlines and quality.
• Contribute to tender preparation and client liaison.
• Support related environmental works such as soil and groundwater monitoring.

Skills

Bat licence Level 2

Project management

Technical report writing

Mentorship

Independent fieldwork

Client liaison

Education

CIEEM membership

Job description

Are you an experienced Ecologist with a Level 2 (or higher) bat licence, looking to take the lead on technically challenging projects across the UK? At SOCOTEC, you’ll join a growing and highly respected ecology team, delivering work across the infrastructure, utilities, development and conservation sectors, while helping to shape the future growth of our ecology services.

We are looking for a proactive, reliable and flexible Ecologist to join our Environmental team. To thrive in this role, you’ll need to be comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of projects, while also being a strong team player and providing support and mentorship to junior colleagues. Experience within ecological consultancy, alongside comprehensive knowledge of the industry, is essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to excel as an Ecologist, taking a leading role in providing ecological expertise and supporting the continued success of our business. This is a nationwide role.

The tasks you will undertake will include (but are not limited to):

• Lead and conduct a wide range of ecological surveys, including surveys for bats, birds, reptiles, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and other protected species
• Independently undertake bat surveys utilising your Natural England Level 2 (or higher) bat licence and apply for mitigation licences with Natural England
• Prepare and deliver high-quality Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments
• Produce comprehensive ecological survey reports and technical assessments to professional standards
• Lead fieldwork operations, ensuring accurate data collection and maintenance of detailed field notes
• Undertake ‘out-of-hours’ surveys, including ecological watching briefs and protected species survey works
• Manage complex ecological projects from inception to completion
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members
• Maintain accurate and well-organised data records in accordance with industry standards
• Take full responsibility for project management, ensuring deadlines are met and work is completed to the highest standard
• Contribute to business development activities including tender preparation and client liaison
• Support related environmental works such as soil and groundwater monitoring where required

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Hold a Natural England Level 2 Class Licence (or equivalent) with demonstrable experience of independently leading bat survey programmes and contributing to mitigation licensing.
• Hold full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Proven experience in leading ecological surveys and assessments
• Ability to manage projects independently with minimal supervision, delivering on time and to a high standard of quality and safety
• Strong technical report writing and communication skills
• Competence in contributing to proposals, tenders and other allocated business operations
• Capability to manage workload effectively to meet operational performance and financial targets
• Commitment to continuous professional development to enable the ongoing success and growth of the business
• Excellent planning and organisational skills to ensure effective delivery of projects
• Thorough understanding of quality and financial systems, ensuring compliance at all times
• Ability to maintain and manage all safety and survey-related equipment within your area of responsibility