Principal Ecologist in Bury St Edmunds)

Penguin Recruitment; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy seeks a Principal Ecologist to manage complex projects in renewable energy and infrastructure. Responsibilities include drafting ecological reports and providing team support. Ideal candidates possess a relevant degree and necessary licenses. Competitive salary and flexible working options available.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Professional training programmes

Extensive career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Ecology or a relevant discipline.
• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
• Minimum one Protected Species Survey Licence.

Responsibilities

• Managing high-profile ecological projects across various sectors.
• Authoring and peer-reviewing ecological reports.
• Providing training and support to colleagues.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Project management

Ecological reporting

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Ecology

Full Membership of CIEEM

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Principal Ecologist

Ref. No.: CJD12025J

Location: Based near Bury St Edmunds

Salary: £43,000 - £53,000

This is the ideal opportunity to join my client, a highly-respected, eco-conscious multidisciplinary consultancy, lending their specialist consultancy services to a diverse range of projects across the ecological landscape. My client is seeking a talented, experienced Principal Ecologist, willing to take on challenging projects alongside a growing team of professionals, across the renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure landscapes, based near the picturesque, medieval town of Bury St Edmunds.

Benefits

• A competitive basic annual salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible working opportunities to include Time off in Lieu (TOIL) for fieldwork undertaken during unsociable hours
• A supportive working environment, encouraging collaborative, innovative approaches
• Accredited professional training programmes
• Extensive career progression opportunities

Responsibilities

• Managing complex, high-profile projects across the ecology sector, to include renewable energy, residential, and commercial opportunities throughout the East of England
• Authoring and peer-reviewing ecological reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Environmental Statement (ES) Ecology Chapters
• Providing in-house training, support, and line management to colleagues within the Ecology Team
• Working collaboratively with wider teams
• Engaging with clients and stakeholders, including Local Authorities and other institutions (both public and private)
• Completing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, interpreting, evaluating, and applying the data across the Biodiversity Metric, delivering practical solutions to clientele
• Managing projects, including the preparation of fee proposals and tenders, adhering to budgetary allowances and agreed timescales
• Designing and implementing Ecological Mitigation Strategies, including Mitigation Licences for a range of endangered species (namely bats, dormice, water voles, badgers, and great crested newts)

Required skills and experience

• A Bachelor's Degree (or higher qualification) in Ecology (or similar, relevant discipline)
• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• A minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence
• Excellent working knowledge of the relevant planning systems and environmental legislation across the UK
• Competencies in UK Habitat Classification and Habitat Condition Assessments
• Demonstrable experience in designing and carrying out a number of ecology surveys, utilising findings to inform ecological assessments, delivering practical solutions to clientele
• Extensive experience in designing and delivering ecological mitigation, including Protected Species Licensing, and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
• Excellent time management skills
• Outstanding communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Hold a full, valid UK driving licence (with Business Insurance), with a willingness to travel to various regional sites

Desirable skills and experience

• Protected Species Survey Licences specifically for bats and great crested newts would be favourable
• Qualified to Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 4
• Willing to travel fair distances and stay overnight at some sites across the East of England region