Senior Ecologist

JR United Kingdom; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior/Principal Ecologist in Cardiff. This role includes managing ecological projects, producing technical reports, and mentoring junior staff. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in ecological consultancy and relevant qualifications, including CIEEM membership and a Protected Species license.

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience in ecological consultancy.
• Licensed for at least one Protected Species, preferably bat.
• Good knowledge of UK and European legislation relevant to ecology.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological projects and assist with resource allocation.
• Produce ecological appraisals, reports, and assessments.
• Mentor junior team members and ensure survey standards.

Skills

Project Management

Ecological Assessment

Client Communication

Team Mentoring

Education

Degree in Ecology or related discipline

CIEEM Membership

Job description

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Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong now forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. The Ecology team is highly successful, and as part of our ongoing plans, we wish to recruit an experienced Senior/Principal Ecologist to join our dynamic team in Cardiff. The ideal candidate will have between 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience in an ecologically focused role, preferably in ecological consultancy.

Overview of team / business area.

You will be joining a supportive team based in Cardiff, with the option of hybrid/flexible working. The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Licensed members of our team can deal with great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice, and reptiles. We’re proud of our strong working relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales, and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The ecology team works alongside several other environmental professionals within the firm, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, and engineers.

The role

Project work will be varied, with a strong focus on renewable energy, infrastructure, residential schemes, and other commercial development projects. Projects will primarily be within Wales and the South West, with occasional work further afield within the UK.

• Managing ecological projects (commensurate with experience), assisting team leads with resource allocation and financial budgets, addressing client feedback, and ensuring effective communication on all projects.
• Producing and overseeing ecological appraisals, reports, licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, EPS licences, and other similar documents.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• Carrying out ecological surveys as necessary and ensuring surveys are conducted to required standards by all staff.
• Assisting team leads with the preparation of fee proposals.

About you

• A good level of academic and professional qualifications in ecology or a related discipline.
• Experience managing ecological projects to completion and reporting to standards required by planning authorities, Natural Resources Wales, and similar bodies.
• Experience applying for licences and holding at least one Protected Species licence; a bat licence would be advantageous.
• Experience preparing a wide range of technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Environmental Statements, Habitat Regulations Assessments, and other technical documents.
• Experience applying for Natural Resources Wales/Natural England mitigation licences.
• Good knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policies, and guidance.
• Qualifying Member or higher of CIEEM.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential.