Principal/Associate Ecological Consultant

Nicholsons; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

This position can be situated at either our Oxfordshire or Northamptonshire office.

We are seeking a forward-thinking Principal or Associate level Ecological Consultant to join and guide our dynamic Ecology team. Be at the forefront of transformative environmental projects, drive impactful changes and contribute to sustainable practices across various sectors.

The role will involve:

• Leading with Vision: As the lead Ecological Consultant, you will be the technical and professional cornerstone of clients' projects, guiding the team toward innovative ecological solutions.
• Mentorship and Growth: Inspire and cultivate the next wave of environmental experts by promoting a culture of learning, inclusion, and development.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with sister disciplines in Arboriculture, Forestry and Landscape Design; embracing a holistic approach to project challenges.
• Diverse and Meaningful Projects: From pioneering land management strategies to contributing to development projects, your work will seek to help clients achieve the best results.
• High-Level Influence: With our extensive network and ties to industry leaders, we have the chance to shape environmental policies and initiatives on a broader scale.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a passion for the protection and enhancement of our planet.
• Hold a degree in ecology, environmental science or a similarly related subject.
• Hold at least one protected species licence (bats or dormice preferred).
• Be a full member of CIEEM or working towards full membership.
• Sound understanding of current environmental legislation and the planning system.
• Experience in working with the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric.
• Experience in site appraisal, with demonstrable botanical ID skills (FISC Level 3 or above).
• Proven experience in project management, including larger and more complex sites.
• Experience in managing survey teams and/or subcontractors and the use of technical survey equipment.
• Experience being a named ecologist, alternative contact or accredited agent within species mitigation licences (bats preferred).
• Experience in designing and implementing mitigation for development projects.

Desirable:

• Advanced skills in at least one specialist area of ecology, for example, botany.
• Registered under the Natural England Bat Class Licence / Earned Recognition schemes.
• Experience in leading more complex reporting work such as BREEAM, Habitat Regulations Assessments, or EIA chapters.
• Chartered membership of CIEEM or demonstrably approaching this level.
• Experience in driving technological improvements in ecology consultancy, e.g. electronic data collection or GIS mapping, bioacoustics, or advanced NVA set-ups.

Role-specific benefits:

• 26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

This is a full-time role, Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

At Nicholsons, our commitment to delivering positive environmental change is woven into every aspect of our work, embodying our values of dedication, creativity, and passion for the planet.