Ecologist - Hybrid Role with Growth & Fieldwork

Csa Environmental; Ashwell; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Annual profit-related bonus

Pension contributions

Job summary

CSA Environmental is seeking an Ecologist to join our Ashwell, Hertfordshire team. You will conduct UKHab baseline surveys, perform data searches, review planning policies, and prepare ecological reports alongside a collaborative team of ecologists.

The role offers hybrid working with some evening and overnight survey commitments, a clear career development path, and a supportive environment with CPD and progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or biology (2:1 or above desirable)
• Some experience of UKHab and protected species surveys
• Developing botanical skills
• Working knowledge of relevant wildlife legislation
• Good written and verbal communication
• Confident with MS Office; willingness to develop QGIS skills
• Well-organised, collaborative and adaptable
• Willingness to undertake evening surveys and occasional overnight stays
• Full UK driving licence and own vehicle (insured for business use)
• Qualifying or Associate membership of CIEEM (or actively working toward it)
• At least one personal protected species survey licence (e.g. bats, dormice or others)
• Interest in developing a technical specialism (e.g. ornithology or botany)
• Awareness of Biodiversity Net Gain and the Statutory BNG metric

Responsibilities

• Undertaking UKHab baseline field surveys, with and without support/input from other ecologists in the team
• Undertaking desktop data searches for biological records/information and discussions with nature conservation consultees, as required
• Obtaining and reviewing local plans, planning policies and other relevant policy information, and developing a basic working knowledge of the planning system
• Preparing Preliminary Ecological Appraisal reports using our standard framework and applying standard CIEEM evaluation criteria, for final review by a Senior/Associate Ecologist
• Undertaking protected species surveys, dependent on personal experience, and providing support on surveys with our other ecologists
• Hold at least one personal survey licence, and demonstrating progress towards obtaining further licences
• Preparing reports following protected species surveys for review/completion by a Senior/Associate Ecologist
• Interacting and communicating with clients and other contacts in a professional and responsible manner at all times, across telephone, written and electronic communications
• Working professionally with all colleagues and supporting the Senior/Associate Ecologists as required, including a reasonable contribution to general administration work
• Assisting with the training and professional development of junior colleagues
• Assisting with the preparation and implementation of EPS and other licence applications
• Becoming familiar with and using QGIS and other graphics packages used by CSA, to produce simple maps and plans suitable for external use
• Demonstrating and developing an understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain, including associated legislation and best-practice guidance, along with a working knowledge of the Statutory BNG metric and developing QGIS skills to measure habitat areas and populate the metric
• Undertaking additional work outside of normal working hours, as reasonably required by specific survey needs and company workloads, on a par with the other ecologists (regular dusk and occasional dawn bat surveys, overnight newt surveys, etc.). At peak times this may involve 2–3 nights in a week (not including weekends)
• Playing an active role in organising work and survey planning, to benefit the smooth running of the team
• Complying with all CSA Health and Safety procedures in the course of your work, including consideration for the safety of others where leading a survey or site visit

Job description

CSA Environmental is seeking an Ecologist to join our Ashwell, Hertfordshire team. You will conduct UKHab baseline surveys, perform data searches, review planning policies, and prepare ecological reports alongside a collaborative team of ecologists.

The role offers hybrid working with some evening and overnight survey commitments, a clear career development path, and a supportive environment with CPD and progression opportunities.