Principal / Associate Ecologist

Landuse; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal or Associate Ecological Consultant to join their dynamic team in Bristol, Cardiff, or Manchester. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to exciting projects that balance ecological integrity with development needs. You will lead ecological surveys, manage projects, and engage with clients while fostering a collaborative team environment. With a strong commitment to flexible working, you can tailor your work hours to fit your lifestyle. If you are passionate about ecology and ready to take the next step in your career, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Qualifications

• Understanding of UK wildlife and conservation legislation.
• Experience in ecological consultancy report preparation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tender responses and ecological surveys.
• Manage projects and engage with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Ecological Surveying

Data Analysis

Project Management

Client Engagement

Line Management

Wildlife Legislation Knowledge

Field Skills

Education

Degree in Ecology or Related Field

Tools

Project Management System

Job description

LUC’s ecology team is passionate about creating opportunities for wildlife and people to thrive together.

With established teams in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, we support a huge range of projects, at local and national levels. We’re enthusiastic about finding new ways to apply emerging ecological principles and methods to the most challenging of policy and development projects, and we have fun working together along the way.

In 2024 we will continue to support some of the most exciting projects in UK consultancy. Working alongside colleagues and partners, we will apply our skills to projects ranging from energy generation to historic building restoration, regenerative agriculture to strategic biodiversity enhancement plans. We will explore habitats from the Scottish and Welsh uplands to central London. We will search for protected species ranging from bats to osprey, via dormouse and otter.

We require a Principal or Associate Ecological Consultant to join our Bristol, Cardiff or Manchester team to help grow and deliver our exciting and rewarding orderbook.

The role will involve:

• Preparing tender responses and fee proposals
• Designing, overseeing the implementation of, and delivering ecological surveys
• Managing projects in line with LUC’s internal Project Management System
• Engaging with project clients and their stakeholders
• Analysing and interpreting ecological data
• Preparing consultancy reports
• Line managing junior colleagues
• Leading business development activity, with support from senior colleagues

This role would suit experienced ecological consultants ready to take the next step in their career, in a science-led team. The role will be based in LUC’s Bristol, Cardiff or Manchester office.

A full-time role is based on 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). However, LUC has a strong track record in flexible working and we have been recognised for our flexible working culture, so we are happy to discuss a range of flexible working options for this role, including part time hours (minimum 30 hours per week), if desired. LUC’s hybrid working policy would apply to the role.

This is a great time to be joining LUC. Since its creation nearly 60 years ago, LUC has been driven by the belief that planning has a critical role to play in shaping the world around us for the better. LUC is playing its part in responding to the twin climate and biodiversity crises; our work has never been more critical or urgent.

Experience and qualifications

The successful candidate will complement our existing enthusiastic and dedicated ecology team. You will share our commitment to high quality science and be motivated to grow your ecology field skills.

• Robust understanding of wildlife in the UK, gained through further / higher education or practical experience
• Robust understanding of UK nature conservation legislation and policy
• An understanding of the development management process in England and Wales
• Wide ranging experience in habitat and protected species survey, including survey design, data management and analysis
• Experience in the preparation or review of ecological consultancy reports, including preliminary ecological appraisals, protected species survey reports and Ecological Impact Assessment
• Experience of engaging with commercial clients and their stakeholders
• Experience of line management responsibilities
• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to work across the UK, with regular trips away from home (all costs and expenses covered by LUC)
• Willingness to occasionally work antisocial hours, particularly during the bat survey season when night shift work will be necessary
• A protected species licence (bat licences of particular interest)
• An understanding of renewable energy consenting mechanisms

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Please apply by uploading your CV and covering letter via the above link.

LUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. We value the differences, needs and contributions a diverse workforce represents, and we strive to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all our people related activities.

Location: Bristol, Cardiff or Manchester

Salary: £39,000-£60,000 FTE (Depending on experience)