Senior or Principal Ecologist

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy based in the UK is seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to manage ecology surveys across diverse infrastructure and environmental projects. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Ecology or related field and have proven experience in ecological assessments and project management. Key responsibilities include providing ecological advice, stakeholder consultations, and drafting various technical reports. This role offers significant opportunities for career progression and technical development.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related topic.
• Full member of CIEEM (or working towards this).
• Proven experience within a professional ecological consultancy.

Responsibilities

• Provide sound ecological advice to Clients.
• Consult with stakeholders for licensing processes.
• Draft and review ecological reports.
• Support the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Manage field-work deliveries.

Skills

Ecological consultancy experience

Terrestrial ecological issues understanding

Project management

Field-craft/mitigation delivery

Report writing

Education

Degree in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or related topic

Tools

UKHab classification

Defra Metric

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Senior or Principal Ecologist who wants to deliver positive biodiversity outcomes for a wide variety of interesting projects. You will have the opportunity to manage and undertake ecology surveys across various sectors, with projects focussing on infrastructure and transportation, strategic and regeneration residential schemes, energy and resources, and nationally significant projects. You will play a key role in large-scale habitat restoration projects and be able to influence the conservation of habitats and species through well-thought-out management plans. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to develop their technical skills through input into Habitat Regulations Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity chapters for Environmental Statements and Landscape and Ecological Management Plans.

The role

As a Senior or Principal Ecologist, you will support the delivery of work undertaken by our multidisciplinary teams. Day-to-day tasks would include:

• Providing our Clients with sound ecological advice and maximising biodiversity opportunities on projects
• Consulting with external stakeholders as part of the licensing process and designing species management plans
• Drafting and review of reports, such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Phase 2 survey reports and licence applications
• Drafting technical reports such as Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements
• Support the wider UK Team in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain
• Management of the delivery of field-work by Stantec ecologists and our sub-consultants

The role presents a fantastic opportunity to progress your ecological career from site-based surveys to a more technical role. In this role, you will be able to deliver and oversee the inclusion of ecological mitigation in a range of developments.

About You

We are looking for someone who has a passion for delivering effective solutions for our Clients, and a desire to support the growth and development of the business. You will be Degree qualified in Ecology, Conservation, Earth Sciences or a related topic, a full member of CIEEM (or working towards this).

Ideally, you will also have the following:

• Proven experience within a professional ecological consultancy
• A wide understanding of terrestrial ecological issues and preferably a holder of at least one protected species licence or with a specialism in one particular area of field-craft/mitigation delivery
• Demonstrable skills and experience of assessments, including PEA, HRA, EcIA, and Biodiversity chapters of Environmental Statements
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and policy
• Proven experience in the management of complex projects, including those which require the ability to think laterally
• Experience in compiling fee proposals and project budgets
• A passion for ecology and a desire to support our Clients in promoting positive nature-based solutions
• Experience and working knowledge of UKHab classification and the BNG Defra Metric
• Good report writing skills and attention to detail

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