Ecologist to Senior Ecologist

FPCR; Dorking; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design consultancy in Dorking is seeking an experienced Ecologist to conduct and lead ecological surveys, prepare reports, and provide expert advice. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Ecology, substantial experience in consultancy, and strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation. This role offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and comprehensive employee benefits in a supportive work environment that values staff well-being.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Annual bonuses

BUPA health scheme

Compressed working week

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in ecological consultancy.
• Sound knowledge of UK ecology legislation and guidelines.
• Hold protected species licences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ecological surveys including protected species and habitat assessments.
• Prepare ecological reports and environmental impact assessments.
• Advise clients on ecological matters and biodiversity legislation.

Skills

Ecological surveys

Environmental impact assessments

Biodiversity knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

Defra Statutory Biodiversity Metric

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for the next step up in your career? Are you looking to increase your exposure to complex and rewarding projects? Do you want to join an established consultancy practice who pride themselves in offering a great place to work? If so, we would love to hear from you for our Dorking office.

Responsibilities

• Conducting and leading on ecological surveys, including protected species surveys, habitat assessments, and biodiversity audits.
• Undertaking environmental impact assessments and preparing ecological reports.
• Designing and implementing appropriate mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and protect ecological habitats.
• Providing expert advice on ecological matters to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

About you

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• At least 3+ years’ experience in ecological consultancy, with a strong focus on conducting surveys, assessments, preparing a range of ecological reports, and project management.
• Sound knowledge of UK ecology legislation, guidelines, and best practice.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience / knowledge of EcIAs, EIAs and HRAs.
• Some experience in advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain, understanding and use of the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric and production of associated reports and plans.
• Experience with a wider range of protected species surveys and knowledge of formulating appropriate mitigation measures.
• Hold protected species licence / s.
• Membership or eligibility for membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM).
• A full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

Why FPCR?

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd is one of the UK’s leading integrated design practices working extensively throughout the UK. Over the last 60 years the practice has developed a valuable mix of multi-disciplinary expertise in masterplanning, environmental assessment, urban design, landscape, ecology, architecture, arboriculture and green infrastructure. Working together, we have implemented many award-winning schemes in environmentally sensitive locations.

Our ecology team is led by four directors who each joined the company in junior positions and are committed to providing the same supportive and fostering environment that is at the heart of our practice. Our team of over 120 ecologists work out of five offices across the UK.

Could you be one of the experienced, talented and energetic professionals helping to continue the development of the team, responding to our clients and keeping FPCR moving forwards whilst responding to new challenges in ecological practice? The positions provide the right candidates with an ideal opportunity to be a part of a motivated team offering technical advice to a diverse range of clients covering projects across all aspects of ecology.

What you can expect in return

Salary : Ecologist £26-32k, Senior Ecologist £32-£36K dependent on experience

Our employees really are our greatest asset, representing a wide range of skills and experience from across the field of UK ecology. We are proud to offer our staff at all levels the opportunity to pursue their individual interests as this helps us to facilitate shared learning across our practice.

We are offering a competitive salary with the opportunity for annual bonuses, enrolment on our pension scheme and 25 days holiday, compressed working week and a holiday purchase system. Everyone is enrolled in a BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme. Staff well-being is very important to us, and the teams frequently have a range of volunteering and social activities going on.

FPCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their race or gender.

If you feel you are the right candidate, or feel you can offer FPCR’s ecology team other relevant experience and skills, please submit your CV along with a covering letter, together with any supporting documentation that you feel may be of interest.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

ABOUT FPCR

Established in 1957, FPCR are an award winning multi-disciplinary environment and design practice with expertise in Landscape, Urban Design, Masterplanning, Architecture, Ecology and Arboriculture. We believe our diverse range of skills provide clients with an excellent rounded approach to projects while concurrently providing our staff with a dynamic and diverse place to work.