Principal Ecologist

enable-infrastructure; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic infrastructure contractor is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead their Ecology Team and ensure compliance with UK and EU ecology legislation. The role involves managing ecology surveys, providing guidance for project delivery, and mentoring team members. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience, be CIEEM members, and hold relevant licenses. This role offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Car allowance or company car

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Bonus scheme up to 20% of salary

Volunteering days annually

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Principal Ecologist.
• Associate or Full Membership of CIEEM is mandatory.
• Holds a Natural England Level 2 bat and dormouse licence.

Responsibilities

• Undertake and complete rail ecology surveys.
• Provide ecological guidance for works delivery.
• Manage the Enable Ecology Team and provide mentorship.

Skills

Knowledge of UK & EU ecology legislation

Stakeholder engagement

Survey and inspection skills

Botanical species identification

Mentoring skills

Education

Degree in Ecology or related discipline

Job description

Are you ready to work in an inclusive, award-winning, progressive, and dynamic environment?

Do you have experience as an Ecologist?

Do you have an in-depth knowledge of UK & EU ecology legislation, policy, and regulatory framework?

Are you a member of CIEEM at Associate or Full level?

What are you waiting for? Apply today!

Enable Infrastructure is an award-winning SME contractor specializing in the infrastructure construction sector. We operate across various markets including rail, power, energy connections, renewables, utilities, and water. Our company values a tailored approach to delivering social value through successful projects.

We seek a resourceful individual with a resilient mindset, excellent time and workload management skills, and experience as a Principal Ecologist in the rail infrastructure sector. This fast-paced environment celebrates success but requires hard work to achieve it.

The role involves developing and managing the Enable Ecology Team, providing mentorship and professional development, and offering specialist support for project delivery. You will report on production and quality assurance, biodiversity net gain, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with strategic development inputs.

As the Ecology & Land Management Specialist, you will provide expert ecological guidance to support works delivery and land management, ensuring environmental excellence and compliance across Kent and Sussex. You will play a pivotal role in integrating environmental management into operational workflows, enabling teams to meet legislative requirements effectively while fostering sustainable practices.

1. Undertake and complete a range of rail ecology surveys and inspections.
2. Analyze and interpret survey data, draft mitigation documentation, and deliver risk and control briefings.
3. Review survey results and create ecology reports for each site.
4. Produce vegetation management scoping documents suitable for tendering.
5. Develop mitigation strategies in compliance with legislation, liaising with environmental specialists and project teams.
6. Provide ecological advice to site managers, engineers, and planners.
7. Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including statutory bodies and local authorities.
8. Conduct site surveys and provide pre-planning advice.
9. Apply ecological knowledge to project delivery.

You will work within a friendly, motivated team supporting project delivery and ecology requirements across other projects within the business.

Experience and Skills Required

1. Degree in Ecology or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
2. Minimum 5 years' experience as a Principal Ecologist.
3. Associate or Full Membership of CIEEM is mandatory.
4. Holds a Natural England Level 2 bat and dormouse licence.
5. Experience liaising with statutory bodies and producing tender documentation.
6. Extensive habitat and protected species survey experience.
7. Proven ability in producing technical reports such as PEAs and PWMS.
8. Deep knowledge of UK & EU ecology legislation and policies.
9. Experience leading and mentoring an ecology team.
10. Skilled in habitat classification, botanical species identification, and BNG assessment.
11. Experience delivering ecology training.
12. Desirable: experience in railway or highway projects.
13. Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel.

What’s in it for you?

• Car allowance or company car.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Your birthday off.
• Additional leave purchase scheme.
• Private healthcare.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Bonus scheme up to 20% of salary.
• Two volunteering days annually.
• Reimbursement for professional development and memberships.
• Inclusive, diverse work environment.
• Focus on safety, health, and wellbeing.
• Opportunities to contribute to social value programs.
• Schemes like gym memberships and cycle-to-work.

This is an exciting time to join during a transition into new markets including energy, power, battery storage, drainage, and water projects. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your career.