Ecologist or Senior Ecologist (Nicholas Pearson Associates)

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management; Bath; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Free on-site car parking

Job summary

Nicholas Pearson Associates in Bath is seeking an ambitious Ecologist to join our multidisciplinary team at senior level. You will lead field surveys, contribute to high-quality ecological reports, and support Biodiversity Net Gain work relevant to local projects.

The ideal candidate will have a degree, 3+ years’ experience, knowledge of wildlife legislation, and ability to collaborate with Landscape Architects. Some travel and flexible hours may be required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant ecology experience and fieldwork.
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation and best practice survey guidance.
• Experience with protected species surveys and licences.
• Ability to carry out baseline/extended habitat surveys (FISC Level 3+ preferred).
• ACIEEM/MCIEEM membership or working toward it is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence and own vehicle.
• GIS skills are beneficial; training available.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct field surveys including PEA and protected species surveys.
• Draft and contribute to high-quality ecological reports.
• Support habitat surveys, Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and data analysis.
• Assist in mitigation strategies and licensing applications.
• Assist in ecological enhancements and habitat management planning.
• Liaise with Landscape Architects, Visualisation teams, clients and regulators.
• Travel locally as required; some evening/night work may be needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Team collaboration

Report writing

Willingness to travel

Education

BSc or MSc in Ecology or related field

Tools

GIS

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.