BNG Senior Ecologist

This organisation is an innovative young player disrupting the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) industry through dynamic solutions and pioneering strategies. With a vision for a sustainable future and a commitment to enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts, our client is dedicated to revolutionising the way ecological impacts are managed and mitigated in development projects across England.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced and knowledgeable Senior Ecologist to join our team and support our clients. The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing habitat banks and managing and overseeing planning projects, with a particular focus on biodiversity conservation and enhancement. This position requires a minimum of 5 years of field experience, an understanding of biodiversity legislation, the Statutory Metric, policies, and best practices, as well as the ability to liaise with government bodies such as DEFRA, Natural England, and Local Planning Authorities.

We are a highly entrepreneurial and fast-paced organisation, so this role will suit someone who is able to take the initiative and help drive us forward during this exciting time of growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide a high level of technical expertise and support, including the preparation and submission of habitat surveys and protected species assessments for BNG plans.
• Conduct survey work, including protected species surveying (GCN, Dormice, reptiles, bats).
• Offer expert advice and guidance on biodiversity conservation and enhancement measures to internal teams, clients, and stakeholders.
• Work as part of the in-house ecology team to develop and implement Biodiversity Net Gain strategies and action plans in accordance with relevant legislation, metrics, policies, and guidelines.
• Liaise with government bodies, including DEFRA and Natural England, to ensure compliance with biodiversity regulations and secure necessary permits or approvals.
• Prepare and present reports, including Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans, Biodiversity Gain Plans, presentations, and proposals to clients, regulatory bodies, and community groups as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Ecology, or a related field.
• CIEEM Accreditation.
• Minimum of 5 years of field experience in Ecology.
• Possession of two or more European Protected Species (EPS) survey licences.
• Strong botanical knowledge, with the ability to conduct standardised and replicable quadrat and transect surveys, bat activity, handling, and roost surveys.
• Knowledge of biodiversity legislation, policies, and guidelines, including relevant national and local planning policies.
• Demonstrable experience in undertaking preliminary ecological appraisals (i.e., Phase 1 habitat surveys and protected species assessments).
• Experience in preparing and implementing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) plans.
• Strong understanding of ecological principles and methodologies, including habitat assessment, species surveys, and ecological impact assessment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a progressive, pragmatic approach and the ability to assess and mitigate biodiversity impacts within the planning context.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools used in planning and biodiversity assessment, such as the Statutory Metric, GIS, ecological modelling software, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Requirements:

• Role based at our head office, with significant opportunities for fieldwork.
• Full driving license and willingness to travel for site visits and meetings as required.

Salary and Benefits:

• £50k per annum.
• Numerous office perks at our LABS location in Camden.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within an exciting organisation at the forefront of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) revolution.