Principal Ecologist

Ecology Training UK Ltd.; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

FPCR is seeking a Principal Ecologist in Sheffield to lead and deliver high-quality ecological assessments for a range of clients. You will manage projects through their life-cycle, mentor junior staff and build strong client relationships.

You will contribute to environmental statements, biodiversity net gain work, and liaise with planning teams, regulatory bodies and contractors to ensure outputs are delivered on time and to a high standard.

Qualifications

• Degree level or higher in Ecology or related field.
• At least 7-8 years in ecological consultancy with project management experience including large scale sites.
• Advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain; understanding DEFRA Biodiversity Metric and related reports/plans.
• Experience in EcIA, Environmental Statements, Habitats Regulations Assessment, and Species/Habitat Management Plans.
• Strong communication to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife protection within the UK planning system.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; GIS knowledge preferred.
• Membership or eligibility to membership of a relevant professional body (eg CIEEM).
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Managing projects throughout their life-cycle, advising on ecology and biodiversity to clients and stakeholders.
• Planning, leading, and conducting ecological surveys as needed.
• Undertaking EIA, biodiversity net gain assessments, and preparing ecological reports and strategies.
• Designing and implementing mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and protect ecological features.
• Mentoring junior staff and sharing knowledge to develop skills and professional judgement.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships and liaising with contractors/regulatory bodies.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Biodiversity Net Gain knowledge

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS

Job description

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for the next step up in your career? Are you looking to increase your exposure to complex and rewarding projects? Do you want to join an established consultancy practice who pride themselves in offering a great place to work? Could you be one of the experienced, talented and energetic professionals helping to continue the development of FPCR, responding to our clients and keeping FPCR moving forwards whilst responding to new challenges in ecological practice?

If so, our Sheffield office is currently looking for an enthusiastic Principal Ecologist to join its growing team and would love to hear from you.

You will be an integral member of our ecology team, leading and delivering high quality work and assessments for a range of clients and on a range of projects, collaborating with our talented team of ecologists, landscape architects and environmental planners.

Key Responsibilities

You will be:

• Managing projects throughout their life-cycle prior to and post-planning, providing advice on ecology and biodiversity to clients, stakeholders and project teams;
• Planning, leading on and on occasion, conducting ecological surveys;
• Undertaking environmental impact assessments, biodiversity net gain assessments and preparing a range of ecological reports and strategies;
• Designing and implementing appropriate mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and protect ecological features;
• Supporting and mentoring junior staff, sharing your own knowledge and expertise to develop their skills and knowledge and professional judgement;
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, as well as with contractors and regulatory bodies.

Skills and Experience:

• Degree level or higher in Ecology or related field;
• At least 7-8 years working in ecological consultancy, with proven experience in project management, including large scale and more complex sites, liaising with clients and wider project consultants to deliver outputs efficiently and on time;
• Experienced in advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain; understanding and use of the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric and production of associated reports and plans;
• Demonstrable experience in complex report writing, inclusive but not limited to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), including for Environmental Statements; Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) documents, Species and Habitat Management Plans;
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
• An advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife protection in the context of the UK legislative and planning system;
• A level of competency in Microsoft Office software and preferably (although not essential) some knowledge of GIS packages;
• Membership or eligibility to membership of a relevant professional body (eg Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or other similar);
• A full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

If you have any questions about the role or working at FPCR, please contact our HR Manager at [e-mail].