Senior/Principal Ecologist

Wardell Armstrong LLP (part of SLR); Cardiff; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking environmental consultancy as a Senior/Principal Ecologist in Cardiff. This role offers a chance to work with a dynamic team of ecologists, providing expert advice on ecological and environmental issues. With a focus on renewable energy and infrastructure projects, you will manage ecological projects and prepare technical reports. Enjoy a hybrid working arrangement, generous annual leave, and professional development opportunities. Be part of a company committed to Making Sustainability Happen and making a significant impact in the field of ecology.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangement

Pension Plan with Employer Contribution

Payment of Professional Subscriptions

24 Days Annual Leave

Private Healthcare Scheme

Critical Illness Cover

Life Assurance

Mobile Phone for Personal Use

Regular Training Programs

Flexitime Working Schedule

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in ecological consultancy roles.
• Proven ability to manage ecological projects and prepare technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on ecological issues and manage projects from start to finish.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on various environmental projects.

Skills

Ecological Consultancy

Project Management

Technical Report Writing

Knowledge of UK and European Legislation

Protected Species Licensing

Education

Degree in Ecology or Related Discipline

CIEEM Membership

Tools

Ecological Impact Assessments

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals

Habitat Regulations Assessments

Job description

Job Title: Senior/Principal Ecologist

Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong is part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy operating from over 100 offices worldwide. Established in the UK in 1994, SLR now employs more than 3,500 professionals delivering client-focused solutions across Europe, North America, Pacific Asia, and Africa. Our aim is to help clients and colleagues alike in Making Sustainability Happen.

The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 150 ecologists across the UK. We are looking to recruit an experienced Senior/Principal Ecologist to join our dynamic Cardiff team. The ideal candidate will have between 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience in an ecological role, preferably within ecological consultancy.

Our consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting various habitats and protected species. Licensed team members can handle species such as great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice, and reptiles. We maintain strong relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales, and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The ecology team collaborates with other environmental professionals, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, and engineers. Experience working within a multidisciplinary team is desirable but not essential. The role involves varied project work, primarily focusing on renewable energy, infrastructure, residential schemes, and other commercial developments within Wales, the South West, and occasionally elsewhere in the UK.

Qualifications and Experience

• A good level of academic and professional qualifications in ecology or a related discipline
• Experience managing ecological projects from start to finish, with reporting standards aligned with planning authorities and environmental agencies
• Experience in making licence applications and holding at least one Protected Species licence; a bat licence is advantageous
• Proven ability to prepare technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments, and others
• Experience applying for Natural Resources Wales/Natural England mitigation licences
• Good knowledge of UK and European legislation, policies, and guidance relevant to ecology
• Qualifying Member or higher of CIEEM
• A full UK driving license and access to a personal vehicle are essential

We Offer

• Hybrid home/office working arrangement
• Membership of the Firm's Group Personal Pension Plan, with up to 5% employer contribution
• Payment of relevant professional subscriptions
• 24 days annual leave
• Membership of the Firm's Private Healthcare Scheme
• Inclusion in the Firm's Critical Illness Cover and Life Assurance policies
• Mobile phone with inclusive tariff for personal use
• Regular training programs
• Flexitime working schedule
• Long service awards
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Travel loans, cycle to work scheme, and recruitment bounty scheme