Senior Ecologist

Maydencroft Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy is seeking an experienced Ecologist to oversee field survey work and lead a team. This role involves liaising with clients, conducting ecological assessments, and managing projects in compliance with UK legislation. Applicants should have a degree in ecology and a strong consultancy background to ensure successful project delivery and team management.

Benefits

Access to company vehicle

Company sick pay

Additional holiday days accrued with service

Pension scheme

Long Service Awards

Training and personal development opportunities

Employee referral scheme

Company competitions

Discounts

Confidential mental health support

Qualifications

• A degree in ecology or related subject is required.
• Minimum 5 years of ecological consultancy experience.
• Licenses for protected species survey, including Level 2 bat and Level 1 great crested newt.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate client meetings and produce quotations.
• Supervise field survey work and report writing.
• Manage a small team of Ecologists and assist with training.

Skills

Ecology

Field Surveying

Project Management

Team Leadership

Microsoft Office

GIS

Education

Degree in ecology or a related subject

Masters degree in a related subject

Tools

AutoCAD

Cartographer

Job description

The job role will include:

• Liaising with clients, attending site meetings and producing quotations and costed proposals;
• Designing and specifying surveys and projects;
• Supervising and undertaking field survey work;
• Report writing and supervision for a range of ecological consultancy work including UK Habitat Surveys, protected species surveys, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, HRAs and SSSI consents;
• Completing Biodiversity Net Gain baseline assessments, metric calculations and strategies for a range of projects, and contributing to the production of Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans (HMMPs);
• Working closely with other consultants on joint projects such as Landscape Management Plans and Woodland Creation Design Plans, and supporting our operational teams in the practical delivery of projects;
• Line manager to a small team of Ecologists and Assistants with the responsibility of managing their work programme, providing day-to-day support, and supporting training needs.
• Appointment and management of seasonal Field Ecologists.

Core skills and requirements:

• A degree in ecology or a related subject;
• Minimum 5-Years relevant professional ecological experience with a consultancy background;
• Thorough working knowledge and understanding of UK and European legislation related to protected species and habitats;
• Experience of preparing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Ecological Impact Assessments;
• Experience producing HRAs and SSSI consents;
• Experience of completing BNG baseline assessments and metric calculations;
• Excellent understanding of the UK planning system and experience contributing to planning applications;
• Strong field surveyor skills including extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, UKHabs, botanical and protected species surveys;
• Protected species survey licences to include at least Level 2 bat licence and Level 1 great crested newt licence;
• Ability to put together appropriately designed survey strategies, develop viable mitigation approaches, and to manage EPS mitigation licence applications from start to finish;
• Proven experience of line managing staff and overseeing teams of field surveyors;
• Full member of CIEEM;
• Technical proficiency using Microsoft Office and GIS;
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage project finances;
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel;

Desirable skills / qualifications:

• Chartered Ecologist or Environmentalist;
• Masters degree in a related subject
• Survey licences for dormouse, otter, barn owl, and low impact class licences for bat and badger
• Experience of being an expert witness at a planning inquiry;
• Experience undertaking Breeding Bird Surveys and data analysis;
• Technical proficiency in specialist software such as AutoCAD and Cartographer.
• Tree Climbing & Aerial Tree Rescue qualification.

Working hours:

Standard full-time working hours will be 08:00 -17:00 Monday to Friday, although with the option to agree different starting and finishing times. The role will require working some anti-social hours, particularly during survey season.

Our benefits include:

• Access to company vehicle
• Company sick pay
• Additional holiday days accrued, increased with length of service + Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme
• Long Service Awards
• Training and Personal development opportunities
• Employee referral scheme
• Company competitions
• Discounts
• Confidential mental health support