Ecologist

Blade Ecology Ltd; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate ecologists to join their team in Worcester. This role offers the chance to manage diverse ecological projects, ensuring compliance with UK wildlife legislation while providing mentorship to junior staff. With a focus on collaboration and high-quality outputs, you'll engage with regulatory bodies and lead biodiversity assessments. The company promotes a supportive work environment with a hybrid working option, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development. If you're eager to make a positive impact on the environment, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Paid CIEEM Membership

Enhanced pension contribution

Annual training budget

Flexible working hours

28 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Regular team social events

Laptop and mobile phone for hybrid working

TOIL system for overtime

Additional leave on birthday

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or related field with CIEEM membership.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and habitats.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological projects from inception to completion.
• Prepare technical reports and conduct ecological surveys.

Skills

UK ecology knowledge

Protected species licensing

Ecological survey experience

GIS mapping

Client engagement

Education

Relevant degree

CIEEM membership

Tools

GIS software

Job description

BLADE Ecology Ltd is a CIEEM Registered Practice based in Worcester working on a diverse array of projects. These include large scale housing sites, commercial developments, leisure developments, schools, utilities, habitat banks and barn conversions. We aim to work closely with our clients to achieve their aspirations alongside securing the best outcomes for the environment. With wildlife legislation and policy as our basis, we combine commercial awareness, pragmatism and defensible advice to form our approach.

We work closely alongside BLADE Landscape Architects and BLADE Trees to design high-quality, well thought-out and considered schemes from the start of the design process to make sure our projects are the best they can be. Ecology sits comfortably alongside these disciplines, providing our clients with a 'one contact' experience.

The Opportunity

We are seeking applications of all levels from Ecologist to Principal. The position would involve managing projects, providing technical expertise and ensuring legislative compliance in addition to training and mentorship for a growing team (senior level and up). Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and oversee ecological projects from inception to completion
• Prepare of a range of technical reports (PEA, EcIA, HRA etc.) and deliver high quality outputs
• Plan, conduct and oversee ecological surveys (e.g. protected species surveys)
• Lead Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments
• Ensure compliance with UK wildlife legislation, planning policy and best practices.
• Provide guidance on protected species licensing and mitigation strategies.
• Engage with regulatory bodies such as Natural England and local planning authorities

Senior level and above

• Review technical reports and quality control work
• Supervise and mentor junior ecologists, providing training and career development
• Prepare tenders, bids and proposals for new projects

About You

As a key member of the ecology team, you will have: -

• Relevant degree level qualification plus appropriate level of CIEEM membership
• Strong knowledge of UK ecology, habitats, and protected species
• In-depth knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation, planning policy (e.g. Wildlife and Countryside Act, Habitats Regulations, NPPF).
• Experience leading ecological surveys and impact assessments
• Experience working with clients, developers, planners, statutory bodies
• Experience with GIS mapping and ecological data analysis.
• Hold or experience in obtaining Natural England protected species licences (e.g., bats, GCN).
• Hold full UK driving licence and own car with business use insurance.

What We Offer

• Our Worcester office offers a fantastic working environment close to the city centre.
• TOIL system to promote a healthy work-life balance. Hour for hour TOIL provided or overtime payment (your preference) for out of hours survey work.
• Friendly and supportive working environment.
• Hybrid option to work from home up to 2 days a week (following completion of probationary period).
• Laptop and mobile phone for hybrid working.
• Paid CIEEM Membership
• Enhance pension contribution
• Annual £500 training budget
• Regular funded team social events (past events have included Christmas trip to Dublin, clay-pigeon shooting)
• 28 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) per annum pro rata with allowance increasing with length of service. Additional days earned (1 after 3 years and 1 additional every year after up to 10)
• Additional day’s leave on your birthday, paid at full pay.
• Flexible Working - A flexi-working approach (e.g. to permit sufficient rest following nocturnal surveys, eat prior to surveys) allows variation of contractual hours (core hours - 10:00 to 16:00)
• Salary of £33,000 - £45,000 per Annum
• Employee Assistance Programme

If you are interested, please send your CV to [e-mail] or call 01905 947 558for a strictly confidential chat.