Principal Ecologist in Norwich)

Penguin Recruitment; Norwich; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected ecological consultancy in Norwich is seeking a Principal Ecologist to lead diverse projects, specializing in ecological impact assessments. The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree in Ecology and relevant memberships. This full-time position offers a competitive salary of £43,000 - £53,000, flexible working opportunities, and career progression within a collaborative team.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Professional training programmes

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's Degree (or equivalent) in Ecology or related field.
• Full Membership of CIEEM required.
• Minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecologist projects including renewable energy and residential work.
• Author and peer-review ecological reports.
• Mentor colleagues within the Ecology Team.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Project management

Strong communication skills

Ecological report authorship

Biodiversity assessment

Education

Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Ecology

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Principal Ecologist

Ref. No.: CJD12025K

Location: Norwich

Salary: £43,000 - £53,000

This is an excellent opportunity to join a large, highly-respected multidisciplinary consultancy, lending their expertise to a diverse range of projects across the ecological landscape. The client seeks an experienced, passionate Principal Ecologist to lead challenging projects alongside an expanding team of consultants, across the renewable energy, residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, based in Norwich.

Benefits

• A competitive basic salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible working opportunities, including Time off in Lieu (TOIL)
• A collaborative working environment, and access to a range of high-end projects
• Accredited professional training programmes
• Extensive career progression opportunities

Responsibilities

• Leading complex, high-profile projects across the ecology sector, including renewable energy, residential, and commercial work across 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
• Line managing, supporting, and mentoring colleagues within the Ecology Team
• Working collaboratively with other ecologists across a wide range of projects
• Engaging with clients and stakeholders, including Local Authorities and other public and private bodies
• Completing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, interpreting and evaluating the data across the Biodiversity Metric, delivering practical solutions to clientele
• Managing projects, including the preparation of fee proposals and tenders
• Ensuring projects are successfully completed within the agreed budgets and timeframes
• Designing and implementing Ecological Mitigation Strategies, including Mitigation Licences for a range of endangered species (chiefly bats, dormice, water voles, badgers, and great crested newts)

Required skills and experience

• Hold a Bachelor's/Master's Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Ecology or a similar, relevant discipline
• Have a full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Possess a minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence
• Good working knowledge of the relevant planning systems/procedures and environmental legislation across the UK
• Competent and confident in working with UK Habitat Classification and Habitat Condition Assessments
• Experienced in designing and carrying out a number of ecology surveys, utilising findings to inform ecological assessments, delivering practical solutions to clientele
• Demonstrable 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

• Hold Protected Species Survey Licences for bats and great crested newts
• Possess a Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 4
• Have a willingness to stay overnight at some sites across the East of England region

How to apply

If you are interested in the role of Principal Ecologist, please do not hesitate to contact the Ecology Team at Penguin Recruitment. Please also see our website for a range of other roles currently available. This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a recruitment agency in respect to this vacancy.