Senior Ecologist

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 24–25d

Extra holiday days

Pension scheme

Share incentive

Life assurance

Disability cover

EAP

Health screening

Cycle to work

BenefitHub discounts

Car allowance

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Ecologist to join a growing team in Cambridge, offering flexible arrangements including Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) for fieldwork. The role covers fieldwork through to planning support and mitigation for major development projects in the East of England.

The successful candidate will lead protected species surveys, prepare technical reports, and contribute to tender proposals while mentoring junior staff in a collaborative environment with a strong

Qualifications

• Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments.
• Proven experience designing and delivering ecological surveys for planning and mitigation.
• Experience with protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design protected species surveys for major infrastructure and development schemes in the East of England.
• Produce technical reports: PEAs, EcIAs, EIAs, HRAs, BNG reports, LEMP and CEMP.
• Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain assessments including baseline surveys and reporting for planning.
• Develop mitigation strategies including protected species licences.
• Assist in tender preparation and fee proposals.
• Mentor and support junior team members to promote development.

Skills

UK Habitat Classification

Protected species licensing

Ecological survey design

Communication

Time management

Driving licence

Job description

Ecologist

Cambridge

An opportunity is available for an experienced ecologist to join a growing team in the East of England. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering ecological services for major development projects, from fieldwork through to planning support and mitigation. The company values work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements, including Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) for fieldwork.

Benefits

• 24-25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 extra holiday days
• Company pension scheme
• Share Incentive Scheme
• Life assurance
• Group disability cover
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Health screening and dental care options
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to discounts via BenefitHub
• Car allowance (for applicable roles)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and design a variety of protected species surveys for major infrastructure and development schemes in the East of England
• Produce technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports, Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs), and Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs)
• Conduct Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, including baseline habitat surveys, habitat condition assessments, Biodiversity Metric calculations, and reporting for planning applications
• Develop and implement mitigation strategies, including obtaining protected species licences (e.g. for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and water voles)
• Assist in the preparation of tenders and fee proposals
• Provide mentoring and support to junior team members, encouraging professional development and hands-on learning

The ideal candidate will have

• Proficiency in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments
• Proven experience in designing and delivering a wide range of ecological surveys and interpreting findings for planning and mitigation
• Experience in protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) responsibilities
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work independently when required
• Strong communication and time management skills
• A full UK driving licence with business insurance and a willingness to travel throughout the region (occasional overnight stays may be necessary)