Senior/Principal Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global environmental consultancy is seeking a Senior/Principal Ecologist for their Cardiff office. The role involves managing ecological projects, providing expert advice, and collaborating with various professionals. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in ecological consultancy and relevant qualifications, including a Protected Species licence.

Benefits

Hybrid working model (home and office)

Group Personal Pension Plan with up to 5% employer contribution

Payment of relevant professional subscriptions

24 days annual leave

Private health care scheme membership

Critical Illness Cover

Life Assurance (3x annual salary)

Mobile phone with inclusive plan

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience in ecological consultancy.
• Experience managing ecological projects and preparing technical reports.
• At least one Protected Species licence, bat licence preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Project Management

Ecological Consultancy

Technical Reporting

Knowledge of UK Legislation

Education

Degree in Ecology or related discipline

CIEEM Membership

Job description

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About Us

Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong is part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects worldwide from over 100 offices. Established as a UK business in 1994, SLR now operates globally with more than 3,500 staff, delivering client-focused solutions across Europe, North America, Pacific Asia, and Africa. SLR's core mission is to assist clients and colleagues in Making Sustainability Happen.

Our Team

The merger of SLR and Wardell Armstrong has created a team of approximately 150 ecologists in the UK. Our Ecology team is highly successful, and we are seeking an experienced Senior/Principal Ecologist to join our Cardiff office. The ideal candidate will have 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience in ecological consultancy or a related field.

Role Overview

Our consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting various habitats and protected species. Licensed team members 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 professionals across disciplines, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, and engineers. Experience in multidisciplinary teams is desirable. Projects focus on renewable energy, infrastructure, residential, and commercial developments mainly within Wales and South West UK, with occasional projects elsewhere in the UK.

Qualifications and Experience

• Academic and professional qualifications in ecology or a related discipline.
• Experience managing ecological projects from start to finish, including reporting to planning authorities and regulatory bodies.
• At least one Protected Species licence, with bat licence considered advantageous.
• Proven ability to prepare technical reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments, etc.
• Experience applying for mitigation licences from Natural Resources Wales/Natural England.
• Good knowledge of UK and European legislation, policies, and guidelines.
• Qualifying Member or higher of CIEEM.
• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.

What We Offer

• Hybrid working model (home and office).
• Group Personal Pension Plan with up to 5% employer contribution.
• Payment of relevant professional subscriptions.
• 24 days annual leave.
• Private health care scheme membership.
• Critical Illness Cover.
• Life Assurance (3x annual salary).
• Mobile phone with inclusive plan, including personal use.