Principal Ecologist

We are delighted to be recruiting Principal Ecologists for a CIEEM Registered Practice and leading Investors in People consultancy. They are a friendly and ambitious ecology team dedicated to technical innovation and professional growth.

What is on Offer:

• Career Development: This established environmental consultancy prioritize continuous professional development (CPD) by supporting internal and external training, professional body memberships, and further education, including protected species licensing training.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy hybrid working policy designed to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Innovation: Benefit from their custom-developed ecology survey software, which enhances surveying and reporting efficiency, allowing you to focus on ecology rather than administration.

Role Responsibilities:

• Assessments and Surveys: Conduct and manage a range of assessments, surveys, and mitigation projects.
• Client and Team Communication: Effectively communicate findings and strategies to clients and team members.
• Diverse Work Environment: Engage in a mix of site and desk-based work that varies with the seasons, primarily in the London and Essex areas, with some projects further afield.

Typical Projects:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
• Protected Species Surveys (with a focus on bats)
• Protected Species Mitigation Schemes
• Ecological Enhancement Schemes
• Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments
• Collaborative projects with Arboricultural and Landscape consultants and specialist ecological sub-contractors.

Benefits:

• Varied projects – avoid getting stuck on a few large assignments.
• 25 days of holiday (plus bank holidays and Christmas shut down).
• Generous profit-related bonus scheme.
• Access to PerkBox benefits and rewards.
• Contributions to a government NEST pension.
• Paid CIEEM membership.
• Support for achieving protected species survey licences.
• Excellent career development and learning resources.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Great office location and environment.
• Regular staff meetings and team-building events.

Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in ecological consultancy.
• Strong skills in Preliminary Ecological Appraisal and Protected Species Surveys.
• Good knowledge of British flora and fauna.
• Understanding of wildlife legislation and the planning system.
• Reliable report writing skills with attention to detail.
• Full driving licence.

Highly Desirable:

• Bat Survey Licence (ideally Level 2).
• Other protected species licences or specialisms.
• Competence with Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Familiarity with Habitats Regulations Assessments and BREEAM Assessments.
• Experience with European Protected Species Mitigation Licences.
• Additional specialisms or skills to enhance our team.

If you are passionate about ecology and looking to grow your career within a supportive and innovative team, we’d love to hear from you!