Senior to Principal Ecologist

TN United Kingdom; Exeter; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established consultancy practice is seeking a passionate Senior or Principal Ecologist to join their Exeter office. This role offers the chance to lead and deliver high-quality ecological assessments and manage projects from inception to completion. The successful candidate will collaborate with a talented team, mentor junior staff, and build strong client relationships. With a competitive salary and a supportive work environment, this position is ideal for those looking to advance their careers while contributing to meaningful ecological projects. Join a company that values employee ownership and promotes a culture of shared success and well-being.

Benefits

Annual Bonuses

Pension Scheme

25 Days Holiday

Compressed Working Week

Holiday Purchase System

BUPA Health Cashback Scheme

Volunteering Activities

Social Activities

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of experience in ecological consultancy with project management skills.
• Advanced knowledge of UK ecology and wildlife protection legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecological projects and provide advice on biodiversity to clients.
• Conduct ecological surveys and prepare assessments and reports.

Skills

Project Management

Ecological Consultancy

Biodiversity Net Gain

Report Writing

Communication Skills

Ecology Knowledge

Stakeholder Collaboration

Defra Biodiversity Metric

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS Software

Job description

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for the next step up in your career? Are you looking to increase your exposure to complex and rewarding projects? Do you want to join an established consultancy practice that prides itself on offering a great place to work? If so, our Exeter office is currently looking for an enthusiastic Senior or Principal Ecologist to join its growing team.

You will be an integral member of our ecology team, leading and delivering high-quality work and assessments for a range of clients and projects, collaborating with our talented team of ecologists, landscape architects, and environmental planners. You will be:

1. Managing projects throughout their life-cycle prior to and post-planning, providing advice on ecology and biodiversity to clients, stakeholders, and project teams;
2. Planning, leading on, and conducting ecological surveys;
3. Undertaking environmental impact assessments, biodiversity net gain assessments, and preparing a range of ecological reports and strategies;
4. Designing and implementing appropriate mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and protect ecological features;
5. Supporting and mentoring junior staff, sharing your knowledge and expertise to develop their skills and professional judgement;
6. Building and maintaining strong client relationships, as well as with contractors and regulatory bodies.

About you:

1. Degree level or higher in Ecology or a related field;
2. At least 4-5 years working in ecological consultancy, with proven experience in project management, including for medium to large scale and more complex sites;
3. Experienced in advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain, understanding and use of the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric, and production of associated reports and plans;
4. Demonstrable experience in complex report writing, including but not limited to Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) reports, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) documents, and Species and Habitat Management Plans;
5. Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
6. An advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife protection in the context of the UK legislative and planning system;
7. A level of competency in Microsoft Office software and preferably (although not essential) some knowledge of GIS packages;
8. Membership or eligibility to membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or other similar);
9. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Why FPCR?

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd is one of the UK’s leading integrated design practices working extensively throughout the UK. Over the last 60 years, the practice has developed a valuable mix of multi-disciplinary expertise in masterplanning, environmental assessment, urban design, landscape, ecology, architecture, arboriculture, and green infrastructure. Working together, we have implemented many award-winning schemes in environmentally sensitive locations.

At the start of 2021, FPCR became an Employee-Owned business. Our people and culture are vital to the service we provide, and we believe this is the best way forward for the future of the practice. Employee Ownership enables the whole team to share in the future growth and success of the business, while the practice can remain responsive, independent, and adaptable.

Our ecology team is led by four directors who each joined the company in junior positions and are committed to providing the same supportive and fostering environment that is at the heart of our practice. Our team of over 120 ecologists work out of five offices across the UK.

What you can expect in return:

Salary: Senior Ecologist £32-36K; Principal Ecologist £39-£45k dependent on experience. Our employees really are our greatest asset, representing a wide range of skills and experience from across the field of UK ecology. We are proud to offer our staff at all levels the opportunity to pursue their individual interests, as this helps us to facilitate shared learning across our practice.

We offer a competitive salary with the opportunity for annual bonuses, enrolment in our pension scheme, and 25 days holiday, compressed working week, and a holiday purchase system. Everyone is enrolled in a BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme. Staff well-being is very important to us, and the teams frequently have a range of volunteering and social activities going on.

FPCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their race or gender.

If you feel you are the right candidate, or can offer FPCR’s ecology team other relevant experience and skills, please submit your CV along with a covering letter and any supporting documentation that you feel may be of interest. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

ABOUT FPCR:

Established in 1957, FPCR is an award-winning multi-disciplinary environment and design practice with expertise in Landscape, Urban Design, Masterplanning, Architecture, Ecology, and Arboriculture. We believe our diverse range of skills provides clients with an excellent rounded approach to projects while concurrently providing our staff with a dynamic and diverse place to work.