Principal Ecologist - Wildbanks Conservation

Countryside Classroom; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Training/CPD budget

Flexible role

Holiday entitlement (24 days + BH)

Job summary

Countryside Classroom is seeking an experienced Ecologist to join our small team. This role offers flexible part-time or full-time arrangements, with you providing technical leadership, input, and QA across tendering, survey design and final delivery.

You will work with Directors and Senior staff to oversee all ecological consultancy activities, from tendering to final delivery, mentoring less experienced staff, and supporting growth. A proactive, team-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Broad ecological knowledge and industry experience, senior or principal level preferred.
• NE and/or NRW Bat license and/or other protected species survey licences.
• Experience delivering EPS licences and related processes.
• Strong knowledge of protected species legislation, planning policy and BNG assessments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee projects from inception to delivery and evaluation.
• Generate and tender work, write fee proposals, liaise with clients.
• Plan and deliver ecological projects, including scope and survey design.
• Deliver impact assessments and mitigation design.
• Plan and undertake EPS surveys, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, etc.
• Carry out BNG assessments.
• Prepare EPS licence applications, write and review technical reports.
• Oversee staff and maintain high standards.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Licensing knowledge

Mentoring staff

Client liaison

Flexible working

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a passionate, experienced Ecologist to join our skilled and dedicated team on a part time or full-time basis. The candidate will take on a technical lead role to guide and support our small team of ecologists, providing technical input, quality assurance, and problem-solving. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the future development and growth of our consultancy.

The Role

To build a role that suits your expertise and circumstances within a small, passionate business. You will work with the Directors and Senior staff to oversee all areas of ecological consultancy from tendering, survey design to final delivery.

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of all projects from inception to delivery and evaluation.
• Generating and tendering for work including writing fee proposals and liaison with clients.
• Plan and deliver ecological projects, including scope and survey design.
• Delivering impact assessments and mitigation design.
• Planning and undertaking EPS surveys, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals etc.
• Carry out BNG assessments.
• Preparation of EPS licence applications, technical report writing and review.
• Oversee staff and ensure highest standards.

Essential criteria:

• Broad ecological knowledge and industry experience, ideally at Senior or Principal level.
• NE and/or NRW Bat license and / or other protected species survey licences.
• Experienced in the delivery of EPS licences.
• Excellent working knowledge of protected species legislation, planning policy and BNG assessments (including Habitat Condition assessments).
• Experienced in liaising with statutory bodies and local authorities and other stakeholders.
• A great team player and able to mentor less experienced staff when needed.
• Flexible approach to working unsociable hours during peak season. Occasional working away.

What we offer:

• Salary £40,000 - £45,000 pro rata based on 40hrs per week. Pension scheme, dedicated Training/CPD budget
• Flexible role. Terms and hours agreed with right candidate to suit their circumstances.
• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Use of a company vehicle for all work.
• TOIL system recognising demands of seasonal fieldwork
• Flexible environment, working from our purpose-built office in Ellesmere and/or from home when suitable.
• CIEEM membership and other relevant membership and protected species licence fees paid.

As well as ecological consultancy work, we deliver a range of practical conservation projects which you will have the opportunity to assist with if desired. Build the Mitigation you design!