Principal Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological projects and inspire a team. This role offers the chance to engage in meaningful work focused on Nature Recovery and Natural Capital. You will manage complex projects, conduct ecological surveys, and prepare detailed reports, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements. Join a vibrant company that values diversity and offers opportunities for career progression as you help shape sustainable communities. If you're passionate about ecology and ready for a new challenge, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Career Progression Opportunities

Inclusive Culture

Support for Further Learning

Qualifications

• Experience managing large/complex ecology projects in consultancy.
• Thorough understanding of UK survey methodology and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological aspects of projects ensuring high standards.
• Conduct ecological appraisals and technical report writing.

Skills

Project Management

Ecological Assessments

Report Writing

Team Mentoring

Ecological Data Analysis

Education

Degree in Ecology

CIEEM Membership

Eligible for CEnv/CEcol

Job description

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Do you have what it takes to transform society?

We are looking for a Principal Ecologist who is enthusiastic, curious and looking for that next challenge. This role can be worked flexibly with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office/on site and the option of adjusted start and finish times.

We have an amazing opportunity to be a key part of driving our strategies with regards to Nature Recovery, BNG and Natural Capital. This is an exciting time to join Sweco and if you want to be part of a company who is small in all the best ways but large enough to provide a diverse and exciting workload, this job is for you.

What does the role involve?

As a Principal Ecologist you’ll manage all ecological aspects of projects ensuring best practice is embedded throughout our processes and we’re delivering to a high standard. You’ll prepare competitive bids and tenders, manage site surveys and approve ecology proposals and reports for both technical robustness and branding.

Role responsibilities may include:

1. Managing large/complex projects
2. Liaising with project managers and clients on the delivery of ecological requirements within multi-disciplinary tenders and projects
3. Undertaking desk studies and site based preliminary ecological appraisals, including detailed habitat surveys to accurately describe and map habitats and assess their potential to support notable/protected species
4. Analysis, evaluation, interpretation and presentation of ecological data
5. Technical report writing including production of preliminary ecological appraisal reports, ecological impact assessments, and protected species licence applications
6. Performing the role of an Ecological Clerk of Works on construction projects

In return you’ll get to work on key projects, and we’ll provide the support and development you need as you work towards gaining licences to work with different protected species.

To be successful in this role you’ll have:

1. Experience in managing large/complex projects in the ecology sector within a professional consultancy
2. A passion for inspiring and mentoring less experienced team members
3. A thorough understanding of UK survey methodology following relevant legislation, guidelines and best practice.
4. Experience conducting preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA), protected species surveys and/or habitat surveys
5. Report writing experience including PEA reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, HRA’s and protected species licences
6. A degree in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences or a related discipline
7. CIEEM membership
8. Eligible for CEnv/CEcol
9. Protected species survey licence (desirable)
10. Current and full driving licence and willingness to travel to sites

If you believe you have the skill set required, are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, then we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s transform society together at Sweco.com/careers

About Us

Transforming society together, we're planning and designing sustainable communities and cities of the future.

Solving the great societal challenges of our time is more relevant, demanding and inspiring than ever before. At Sweco, we bring together experts with different perspectives and skills to develop solutions that address the challenges of urbanisation, harness the positive power of digitalisation and make societies more sustainable.

We offer our clients a combination of global expertise and local presence, adapted to their business and reality. Our ambition is to be our clients’ most relevant partner, working together to help them solve their challenges, today and into the future.

Sweco is committed to enabling all its colleagues to achieve a great balance between work and their other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, leisure activities, further learning or other interests. We offer flexible start and finish times, part time and hybrid working options so that you can flex your hours around your day to day needs.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

It’s important to us that that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.

Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity.

We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If I have a disability, can I get help (e.g. “reasonable adjustments”) with the application process?

If you’re an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to use the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, please contact [emailprotected] for assistance.

In order to address your request the following information is needed:

Name

The best method for contacting you (Phone or email)

The position title

Requisition/vacancy number

Upon receipt of this information, we’ll respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.

Please note: we reserve the right to close vacancies before the advertised closing date.