Principal Ecologist

VolkerWessels; Newport; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Additional annual leave on birthday

Private medical care

Pension

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work

Training opportunities

Flexible working

Employee Assistance programme

Wellbeing support

Job summary

VolkerFitzpatrick, part of VolkerWessels UK, is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead ecological strategy across construction and civil engineering projects. You will manage risk, ensure regulatory compliance and drive biodiversity enhancement, reporting to senior leadership.

A degree in ecology and strong experience with UK wildlife legislation are essential. Join a multidisciplinary contractor delivering rail, highways, airports and industrial projects, with competitive rewards and

Qualifications

• Full Membership of CIEEM is essential.
• Experience leading ecology on major construction or civil engineering projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and protected species licensing.
• CSCS card or ability to obtain.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Proven track record in large-scale impact assessments and mitigation design.
• Experience producing PEA reports, EcIA, and Biodiversity Chapters for ES/HRAs.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological strategy and risk management across projects.
• Ensure compliance with environmental obligations and planning requirements.
• Drive biodiversity enhancement and mitigation design across the business.
• Provide senior technical guidance on biosurveys and licensing.

Skills

Ecology leadership

Protected species licensing

UK wildlife legislation

Impact assessments

Biodiversity enhancement

Education

Degree in Ecology

Tools

GIS

Job description

Full Membership of CIEEM (essential). Extensive experience leading ecology on major construction or civil engineering projects. Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, protected species licensing and planning requirements. Experienced in large-scale impact assessments and complex mitigation design. CSCS card (or ability to obtain). Full UK Driving Licence. Technical competencies expected of the role: Accomplished competency in UK Habs assessment. Accomplished competency in Biodiversity Net Gain. Accomplished competency in the production of PEA reports, PMWs, EcIAs and Biodiversity Chapters for Environmental Statements (ES) and HRAs. Accomplished competency in design of mitigation measures. Has been named on a mitigation licence and has led the implementation of one or more mitigation licences. Accomplished competency in protected species identification and survey., Accomplished understanding of UK legislation relating to protected species and habitats and application in typical

VolkerFitzpatrick offers a range and depth of civil engineering, infrastructure and building services. We contribute to vital parts of the nation's life through projects of strategic importance, while delivering those less visible, yet essential, works required by both private and public sectors. We build, renew, maintain highways, airports, railway infrastructure, and commercial, industrial and educational buildings. We have a fantastic new opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join our Volker Fitzpatrick Business, supporting on multiple projects. The Principal Ecologist is responsible for leading ecological strategy, risk management and compliance across VolkerFitzpatrick's construction and civil engineering projects. The role provides senior technical expertise, ensuring projects meet legislative, client, and environmental obligations, while driving best practice and biodiversity enhancement across the business.

About you

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field. Experience in large-scale impact assessments and complex mitigation design. Has an excellent knowledge of the UK legislation relating to protected species and habitats. Has an excellent knowledge of the UK legislation relating to protected species and habitats. If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.

Why work with us?

VolkerFitzpatrick is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerFitzpatrick are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients. We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Private medical care
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
• Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
• Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee Assistance programme
• Mental health, physical health, and financial support
• 24/7 Virtual GP service
• Fairness, inclusion and respect

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.