Principal Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Arboricultural and Forestry Contractor is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological management strategies. The role involves managing ecology resources, advising on legislation, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills and relevant qualifications. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Company vehicle and fuel card

Annual bonus

Company pension scheme

Training opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to online GP service

Rewards & discounts

Regular social events

Length of service awards

Community volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience managing ecological projects from conception to completion.
• Understanding/application of habitat identification using UKHab methods.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage Ecology resources within the company.
• Produce technical reports in a timely manner.
• Lead ecological surveying and logistics planning.

Skills

Ecological Project Management

Ecological Surveying

Legislation Knowledge

Habitat Identification

Mentoring

Education

CIEEM Membership

FISC Level 4

Job description

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Job Type: Full time / Permanent

About Us:

COOMBES UK are a leading Arboricultural and Forestry Contractor, with over 20 years' experience and expertise in the Forestry sector. We have forged a strong industry reputation, and we believe we have an unrivalled skill set and peerless knowledge of Forestry work at all levels.

COOMBES play a key role within the Rail industry, providing a whole manner of off-track solutions, and minor civils works, in partnership with Network Rail and other major contractors.

Following recent, significant growth, we currently have some exciting projects underway in woodland management, timber harvesting, rail and civils works across the UK. We have a strong record of achievement and are committed to meeting the growing demands for safe and efficient delivery.

A family-run SME, we believe in working collaboratively and operating as one team. Our success is only achieved through the hard work, dedication and skill of our people. Operating with transparency and integrity in all that we do, we take responsibility for our actions, empowering and supporting each other to be the best, most authentic version of ourselves consistently.

About the role:

As our Principal Ecologist, you will lead on and provide expert support, training and guidance to develop COOMBES ecological management strategies, plans and budget costs alongside our Environmental Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

As our Principal Ecologist, you will be responsible for:

• Establish and manage Ecology resources within the company
• Advising on environmental legislation, keeping key stakeholders informed of any changes, updating company policies and procedures as required
• Produce technical reports in a timely manner and to requirement
• Coach, mentor and develop colleagues in this area, providing feedback and support
• Leading on/undertaking ecological surveying and logistics planning across our sites
• Undertake, supervise and train colleagues with PEAs, ECiAs and HRAs
• Leading on/providing training and support for protected species surveys/reports, ecological data collation, analysis, monitoring and reporting
• Playing an active role in maintaining and developing the Environmental Management System to include internal updates and support with external audits
• Mentoring/supporting the professional development of junior members of the team

About you:

To be successful as our Principal Ecologist, we would ideally like you to have the following skills/experience:

• CIEEM membership (or working toward/willingness to obtain)
• Experience managing ecological projects from conception to completion, including Phase 2 surveys
• Understanding/application of habitat identification using UKHab methods and botanical species identification (FISC Level 4 minimum)
• Detailed, working knowledge of UK legislation and policy
• PTS
• Class 2 Survey licence(s) for protected species

Experience of working within rail/on infrastructure projects would be advantageous but is not essential.

• Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
• Company vehicle and fuel card
• Annual bonus (based on company performance)
• Company pension scheme
• Training opportunities and support with personal/professional development
• Employee Assistance Programme - to support mental/physical health and provide legal/financial advice if required
• Access to online GP service for you/your family 24/7
• Rewards & discounts for retail/leisure & more
• Regular social events like our Summer Family Day & The COOMBESmas (Christmas) party
• Length of service awards to celebrate significant milestones
• Opportunities to support COOMBES Social Value objectives (community volunteering/fundraising, etc.)

Please click the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of Senior Ecologist, Lead Ecological Scientist, Ecology Team Lead, Environmental Science Principal, and Chief Ecology Consultant may also be considered.