Senior to Principal Ecologist in Exeter

Energy Jobline ZR; Exeter; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in Exeter seeks an experienced Senior or Principal Ecologist to manage projects and conduct ecological assessments. Candidates should have at least 4-5 years of experience in ecological consultancy, strong project management skills, and knowledge of UK legislation. The role offers a competitive salary, pension scheme, and opportunities for annual bonuses and professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonuses

Pension scheme

25 days holiday

Health and wellbeing cashback scheme

Qualifications

• At least 4-5 years of ecological consultancy experience.
• Experience in biodiversity net gain assessments.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecological and wildlife legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects throughout their life-cycle.
• Conduct ecological surveys and impact assessments.
• Provide advice on ecology and biodiversity to clients.

Skills

Project management

Ecological survey planning

Report writing

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS packages

Job description

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 who pride themselves in offering a great place to work? Could you be one of the experienced, talented and energetic professionals helping to continue the development of FPCR, responding to our clients and keeping FPCR moving forwards whilst responding to new challenges in ecological practice?

If so, our Exeter office is currently looking for an enthusiastic Senior or Principal Ecologist to join its growing team and would love to hear from you.

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

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

About you

• Degree level or higher in Ecology or related field;
• At least 4-5 years working in ecological consultancy, with proven experience in project management, including medium to large scale and more complex sites, liaising with clients and wider project consultants to deliver outputs efficiently and on time;
• Experienced in advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain; understanding and use of the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric and production of associated reports and plans;
• Demonstrable experience in complex report writing, inclusive but not limited to Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) reports, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), including for Environmental Statements; Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) documents, Species and Habitat Management Plans;
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
• An advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife protection in the context of the UK legislative and planning system;
• You may have a particular ecological specialism or hold protected species licence/s, although your all‑round skills and knowledge are also valuable;
• A level of competency in Microsoft Office software and preferably (although not essential) some knowledge of GIS packages;
• Membership or eligibility to membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or other similar);
• A full UK driving licence and access to 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. In 2021, FPCR became an employee‑owned business, enabling the whole team to share in future growth and success while keeping the practice responsive, independent and adaptable.

What you can expect in return:

Salary: Senior Ecologist £32‑36 K; Principal Ecologist £39‑45 K, dependent on experience. Competitive salary with the opportunity for annual bonuses, enrolment on a pension scheme, 25 days holiday, compressed working week, holiday purchase system, and BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme. All staff enrol in a BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme and enjoy a range of volunteering and social activities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

Right to Work

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.

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