Ecologist or Senior Ecologist (Nicholas Pearson Associates)

LLOYD'S REGISTER INTERNATIONAL; Bath; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Pearson Associates seeks an ambitious Ecologist to join our Bath team. The role offers scope to lead field surveys, contribute to ecological reports and work across a multi-disciplinary environment.

The successful candidate will have a degree in ecology or related field, 3+ years' experience, and a willingness to work flexible hours, including some evening/night surveys. Training and career development are provided.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation and survey guidance.
• Experience with protected species surveys and licences.
• Good report writing and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and flexible hours during survey season.
• CIEEM Associate (ACIEEM) or Full (MCIEEM) membership or working toward it.
• Full UK driving license and own vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct field surveys including extended habitat surveys for PEA and protected species surveys (bat, badger, reptiles, great crested newt, hazel dormouse).
• Draft or contribute to high-quality ecological reports and assessments.
• Support habitat surveys, mapping, Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and data analysis.
• Assist in preparation of mitigation strategies and development licence applications for Protected Species.
• Assist in design of ecological enhancements and Biodiversity Net Gain proposals; produce habitat management plans.
• Liaise with Landscape Architecture and Visualisation teams; liaise with clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• For senior level: independent surveys, project management, and involvement in EIA/ Habitats Regulations Assessments.

Skills

Field surveys

Report writing

Communication

Flexibility

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

GIS

Driving license

Education

BSc/MSc in Ecology or related field

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Nicholas Pearson Associates is an established and respected consultancy with complementary expertise in ecology, landscape architecture and visualisation. We take a collaborative approach to our work and we enjoy working on projects ranging from local and small scale to large, multi-phased schemes. We are part of the Global Ecology and Environment Group of companies, helping to grow a 'best-in-class' environmental consultancy with an increasingly broad remit.

Our highly regarded ecologists provide the full spectrum of ecological services whilst maintaining excellent professional standards together with a high degree of scientific integrity. We have a wide variety of exciting and challenging projects and an established client base.

We are seeking an ambitious Ecologist or an Ecologist ready to step into a Senior level role to join our existing team in our Bath office. They will want, with guidance, to take on a range of projects of their own. They will also want to learn more about the profession and our multi-disciplinary consultancy whilst supporting more senior staff and working alongside our graduates. There will be opportunities for training and career development. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the environment and a curiosity about multi-disciplinary working and particularly collaborating closely with our in-house team of Landscape Architects.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct field surveys including extended habitat surveys for Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) and protected species surveys such as bat, badger, reptiles, great crested newt, hazel dormouse (skills/licence dependant)
• Draft / contribute to high-quality ecological reports, developing skills in ecological assessment
• Support habitat surveys & mapping, Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and data analysis
• Assist in preparation of mitigation strategies and development license applications for Protected Species
• Assist in design of ecological enhancements, Biodiversity Net Gain proposals and production of habitat management plans
• Liaise effectively with colleagues across our Landscape Architecture and Visualisation teams
• Liaise effectively with clients, regulators, and stakeholders.

We are looking for someone with

• BSc or MSc in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field
• 3+ years of relevant experience
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation, best practise survey and mitigation guidance
• Experience of carrying out protected species surveys, including bat surveys.
• Experience of working on protected species licences.
• Able to carry out baseline/ extended habitat surveys. Ideally at least FISC Level 3 or above, with solid habitat assessment knowledge
• Understanding of PEA and BNG workflows. Ideally able to carry out assessments with limited guidance at standard sites.
• A good communicator, keen to develop, work flexibility and collaborate with colleagues of a variety of disciplines.
• Good report writing skills
• Willingness to work flexible hours during survey season. Some evening/night working will be required, and a flexible TOIL system is in place.
• Willingness to travel (from time to time) however we also benefit from having a good proportion of local work.
• CIEEM Associate (ACIEEM) or Full (MCIEEM) membership or working toward it
• Full UK driving license and own vehicle
• Experience of ecological watching briefs / Ecological Clerk of Works beneficial
• CSCS card is desirable
• GIS skills beneficial, but training will be provided

For a senior level position that person would also have experience in

• Carrying out a range of ecological survey and assessment independently, including Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
• Project management and client relationship management
• Experience of Habitats Regulations Assessment and/or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects beneficial

We have a blended working approach which allows some home working flexibility but requires office presence each week. Parttime/flexible working will be considered. We keep a happy office environment in a beautiful rural location close to Bristol and Bath with free on-site car parking. Employment includes a generous benefits package, details can be provided on request.