Lead Ecologist

Carrington West; Wales; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A recruitment agency specializing in ecology is seeking an experienced Lead Ecologist to manage night shift teams for infrastructure projects in South Wales. You will ensure compliance with EPS licence methods, lead site operations, and effectively communicate with contractors. Ideal candidates have a proven background in ecology and strong dormice identification skills. This role offers flexible night shifts from September through March, covering travel expenses.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a lead ecologist or ECoW position.
• Demonstrable experience working under an EPS licence.
• Competence in identifying and working around dormice.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams on-site during vegetation clearance projects.
• Act as lead Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
• Communicate effectively with contractors.

Skills

Experience with dormice

Communication skills

Confidence in managing contractors

Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) experience

Job description

Job Title: Lead Ecologist

Location: Monmouthshire, South Wales

Pay Rate: £16 per Hour, With a potential increase available DOE.

Are you a Lead Ecologist with dormice experience? Do you hold or have experience working with an EPS licence?

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and confident Lead Ecologist for a zero-hours contract to support infrastructure projects across South Wales. The work primarily involves night shifts to accommodate traffic management on the M4, A roads and railway track. The successful candidate will lead teams on-site, ensuring all work complies with a Natural England European Protected Species (EPS) licence for dormice. This role offers guaranteed work from September through March annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead teams on-site during vegetation clearance and hazard tree removal projects.
• Act as the lead Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
• Communicate effectively with contractors, providing clear instruction and confidently managing pushback to ensure license methods are followed.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience in a lead ecologist or ECoW position.
• Demonstrable experience working under an EPS licence. A personal licence is not required, but experience working under a development licence is essential.
• Competence and experience in identifying and working around dormice.
• Confidence and experience in dealing with contractors in potentially challenging situations.

Desirable Experience

• Strong botany knowledge (e.g., FISC level 3 or above).
• Full membership of CIEEM.
• An arboricultural (ARB) background.

Work Pattern & Hours

• Shifts: Primarily night shifts, g Sunday-Thursday or Monday-Friday. Occasional Saturday shifts may be required.
• Hours: Shifts are 9 hours, inclusive of travel time. Night shifts generally start around 8:00 PM.
• Travel: Expenses for travel from home to the site are covered. Candidates should ideally be within an hour's travel of the Monmouthshire area.