Ecologist

Lakeway Ecology is a small consultancy and due to ongoing success, we are looking to recruit a new Ecologist to the team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone to develop their career in ecology. You will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of projects, working with experienced ecologists and conservationists.

About Lakeway Ecology

Founded in 2021, we specialize in protected species surveys across Devon, Cornwall and the South West. We are a wildlife focussed consultancy and have the conservation and promotion of wildlife at the heart of our core values. We work with a range of clients, including homeowners, SME builders, local authorities, holiday parks and conservation charities. Our Principal Ecologist is a registered consultant on the Bat Earned Recognition Class Licence, and often works on heritage buildings, giving opportunities for the successful candidate to learn alongside them.

About the role

You will be part of a team that manages the challenge of reconciling wildlife conservation with the requirements of clients on a daily basis and sees each project as an opportunity to achieve the best possible outcome for both. The consultancy undertakes the whole range of protected species surveys and mitigation licences, and we will work with you to develop your skills in all aspects of ecology and consultancy, through mentoring by our experienced staff, and through access to a wide range of professional development opportunities.

You will mainly work across the South-West to conduct ecological surveys, including PEA, PRA, dormouse, reptile and bat surveys, write survey reports, assist on mitigation strategies and carry out Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments using the DEFRA Metric. In particular, you should be familiar with the equipment and methods employed in bat activity surveys and will have the ability to plan and help to coordinate these. Experience of EcIA and BNG assessments is essential. You may also provide input into EPS licence applications and delivery. You will manage/ lead projects in line with your current experience and will be fully supported, ultimately on your own projects of all scales.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a good communicator who is passionate about wildlife, and has good knowledge of the wildlife of Devon and Cornwall, with good time management and organizational skills, and is prepared to work independently and make decisions appropriate to their skill and knowledge level. A level 1 bat licence is essential for this role, and ideally you will hold a level 2 bat licence. You should either have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes or a means of transport to ensure your ability to attend sites in rural locations, often outside normal working hours.

Essential skills / qualifications

• A relevant degree in ecology or related subject or minimum two years’ experience of working within a consultancy.
• Proven track record of carrying out/ organising field work including habitat and bat surveys.
• Proven track record of office-based consultancy activities (reporting, mapping etc.)
• Level 1 class licence to survey for bats.
• Good level of botanical identification skill
• Experience of carrying out BNG Assessments and using UKHab classification
• Ability to undertake regular field work.

Desirable

• Membership of CIEEM
• Level 2 class licence to survey for bats
• Other protected species survey licences
• Experience of EPS Mitigation Licencing
• Proficient in GIS mapping
• Understanding of the application of relevant protected species planning policies; NPPF & Local Plans in relation to development

What we offer in return

• Holiday entitlement of 20 days per year (pro-rata) plus bank holidays, a day off for your birthday and four days between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed.
• Excellent opportunities for training and development, both in-house and through external training as appropriate.
• Professional body membership (CIEEM) fees paid, alongside annual fees for protected species licences, and any associated costs (i.e. rabies vaccinations).
• Attendance at one UK conference of your choosing each year.
• TOIL policy to help manage your time alongside seasonal demands of the job, including an expectation that full-time employees undertake no more than three ‘anti-social’ hours surveys a week as standard.
• An employee pension scheme to which Lakeway Ecology contributes 5% (the post-holder must contribute 3%).
• Expenses paid on a weekly or monthly basis.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV, along with a covering letter of no more than two sides of A4, detailing how you meet the requirements of the role and what you could bring to our team.

Applications should be sent to ruth.testa@lakeway-ecological.co.uk. CVs should be entitled with your full name and contain email and phone contact details. We aim to acknowledge receipt of all applications within five working days.

If you have any questions relating to the role or would like to see the full role description, please contact Ruth via email or on 01837 218016.