Principal Ecologist

Ecologist – Principal and Associate Director Levels

Join a fast-growing, independent ecology consultancy team, specialising in ecological impact assessment, ecology survey, licensing and mitigation.
An opportunity to join a small (but growing), talented and passionate team working on a variety of ecology projects from preliminary ecological reports through to licence applications, impact assessment, mitigation and monitoring. The company services the whole of the UK with a wide range of clients so no two days are the same. There are roles for qualified and enthusiastic ecologists from Senior to Associate Director level.

What you’ll be doing:
The principal ecologist role is ideal for the enthusiastic ecologist who wants to manage a growing team taking responsibility for maintaining quality and delivering great service to clients.

• Supporting Junior and Senior Ecologists in their projects – overseeing full projects and managing their deliverables to ensure they are delivering top quality service to clients.
• Offering advice, support and expertise to team members.
• Direct involvement in the business development side of the business working on client pipeline development and increasing/improving the companies offering.
• Biodiversity Impact assessment, Ecological Impact Assessment and further detailed assessments.
• Work a variety of projects, however there is an opportunity to establish or develop a specialist offering for the company if that is of interest.

What experience you will need to apply:

• Authentic and genuine enthusiasm for ecology and the environment.
• Demonstrable experience of Phase 1 habitat surveys/UK Habs and protected species surveys.
• Survey licence for at least one protected species – rare reptiles, GCN, barn owl, bats etc.
• Experience or writing or securing European Protected Species Mitigation licences (EPSM) for at least one protected species.
• Ability to manage projects from start to completion and lead a team.
• Confidence in designing surveys and quoting for work.
• Compliance and flexibility to ensure client satisfaction. Good communication skills – for both internal communications and direct interaction with clients.
• Experience managing and guiding junior ecology team members as well as providing technical review of ecological reports.
• Survey licence for one or more protected species e.g. bats/ newts or a demonstrable specialism in other taxa (botany, inverts);
• Full or Chartered member of CIEEM (or eligible if not currently held).
• Experience of sales/business development – or interest in learning.

Nice to have/desirables:

• Experience of using QGIS and/or ArcGIS. Experience of EcIA, BREEAM or biodiversity net gain.
• Advanced skill and offering in one or more ecological area – bats, newts, botany etc.
• Have held European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences for protected species.
• Hold specialist mitigation class licences such as Bat Low Impact Class licence or Badger class licence.

 
Would need a full driving licence – there is an expectation to travel to and work from sites (often in remote locations). There will be a need to stay away from home for some nights (depending on site location) due to the projects-based nature of the role. Work-life balance is prioritised by the company though so there is a limit on nights away and antisocial hours worked.

What you’ll get in return for your experience:
To be part of a fast-growing, purpose-driven company making a positive impact. The team is very experienced and knowledgeable in the space so there is an opportunity to develop skillets.
Full time role. Ideally commutable from either Oxfordshire or Cheltenham but with the possibility to be based elsewhere based on skill-level and offering.
Company computer and phone (apple), Professional memberships paid for, colleague nomination bonus scheme, generous pension.
Unlimited annual leave and flexible working hours.
Salary based on experience, level and location.

What’s next?
To discuss all levels of roles please contact Jazz Jones.