Principal Ecologist

sweco; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a transformative company as a Principal Ecologist at Sweco, where you’ll lead complex ecological projects and mentor junior staff. This role offers flexible work arrangements and opportunities to harnes your skills in ecology while contributing to significant environmental projects across the UK. With your expertise in ecological assessments and project management, you will ensure high-quality deliverables and play a pivotal role in nature recovery strategies.

Qualifications

• Experience managing large/complex ecological projects.
• Understanding of UK survey methodology.
• Conducting preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA) and surveys.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological aspects of projects ensuring best practices.
• Prepare competitive bids and manage site surveys.
• Write technical reports including ecological impact assessments.

Skills

Project Management

Ecological Surveying

Report Writing

Mentoring

Data Analysis

Education

Degree in Ecology

CIEEM Membership

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:

• Managing large/complex projects
• Liaising with project managers and clients on the delivery of ecological requirements within multi-disciplinary tenders and projects
• 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
• Analysis, evaluation, interpretation and presentation of ecological data
• Technical report writing including production of preliminary ecological appraisal reports, ecological impact assessments, and protected species licence applications
• 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:

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