Senior/Principal Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; Derby; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an ecologist to join their dynamic team. This role offers the chance to work on a diverse range of ecological projects, from small residential developments to large sustainable initiatives. You'll be at the forefront of ecological assessments, collaborating with a talented team of specialists and contributing to significant projects that impact biodiversity positively. With a commitment to employee ownership, flexible working arrangements, and continuous professional development, this position is perfect for those eager to advance their careers in a supportive and innovative environment.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Employee-owned tax-free bonus

Professional membership subscriptions

Health cash plan

Cycle to work scheme

Death in service scheme

In-house training and CPD

Free parking

On-site shop and canteen

Beautiful working environment

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science required.
• Proven track record in managing ecological projects essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver high-quality ecological assessments and surveys.
• Collaborate with a large team of ecologists and environmental planners.

Skills

Ecological Project Management

Ecological Assessments

Surveying Skills

Communication Skills

Knowledge of UK Ecology Legislation

Education

Degree in Ecology

Degree in Environmental Science

Tools

Biodiversity Net Gain Metrics

DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric

Job description

Your new company

One of the UK’s leading Ecology practices working extensively throughout the UK. Over the last 60 years, the consultancy has developed a valuable mix of multi-disciplinary expertise in masterplanning, environmental assessment, urban design, landscape, ecology, architecture, arboriculture, and green infrastructure.

With their head office in a rural area of Derbyshire, you'll be working in a beautiful manor house, surrounded by attractive grounds including a mature garden, pond, and various species of fauna and flora, an ecological haven! They also have regional offices in Exeter, Dorset, Greater London, Sheffield, and York.

Their directors all joined in junior positions and are now very involved with public enquiries and expert witness work due to their high success rate, backed by their ecological knowledge and reputation.

As an employee-owned business, all of their staff share in the success of the business.

Your new role

You'll be working on a diverse range of projects, from small to large, ranging from single dwellings taking a day to huge sustainable developments taking 10 years... The best part is that you'll have a choice in the kind of projects you'll be working on and how you develop your career. Their work mainly comes from the residential, renewables, and minerals & waste industries.

They host protected species, BNG, and botanical specialists, project and people managers, and everything in between, allowing you to drive your career forward however you wish...

You will play a pivotal role in leading and delivering high-quality ecological assessments, surveys, and mitigation strategies, whilst collaborating with a large team of ecologists (circa 60 in Derby and 120 UK-wide), landscape architects, arboriculturists, and environmental planners.

What you'll need to succeed

1. At least a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
2. A proven track record in managing and delivering ecological projects and meeting deadlines, including for small to large scale and more complex sites.
3. Experience in ecological consultancy, with a strong focus on conducting surveys, assessments, preparing a range of ecological reports, and the project management of jobs.
4. Sound knowledge of UK ecology legislation, guidelines, and best practice.
5. Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
6. Experienced in advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain, understanding and use of the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric, and production of associated reports and plans.
7. You may have a particular ecological specialism or hold a protected species licence(s), but a generalist background is welcomed.
8. Membership or eligibility for membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM).
9. A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.

What you'll get in return

1. Holiday and pension plans.
2. Flexible/hybrid working with tailored plans including pressed hours and 4-day pro-rata weeks.
3. 1:1 TOIL scheme.
4. Employee-owned tax-free bonus (discretionary).
5. 35-hour week!
6. Regionally focused site work.
7. Some of the most specialist individuals in the industry offer in-house continuous training and CPD, as well as funded external CPD.
8. Professional membership subscriptions.
9. Death in service scheme.
10. Health cash plan and smart health scheme.
11. Cycle to work.
12. In Derby: Free parking, on-site shop and canteen with hot food, beautiful building, and surrounding grounds.