Senior Ecologist

Job Summary:

We are working with a multidisciplinary practice of landscape architects, ecologists and arboriculturalist to support the growth of their Kent based Ecology team. Our client is seeking a Senior Ecologist, with a Bat or GCN licence, to join their friendly and close-knit team of environmental professionals.

Not only will you have the opportunity to take the technical lead on important and technically complex projects, but you will also be providing a diverse range of ecological services, on a range of projects.  Work will range from sensitive historical sites to large scale multi-phased mixed development projects and will often involve collaboration with the two other specialist teams (landscape and arboriculture) to deliver client requirements.

Responsibilities / Accountabilities:

Your brief will include;

• Supporting the Head of Ecology in managing and programming ecology works associated with the office
• Managing the team in the absence of the Head of Ecology
• Taking the technical lead on important and technically complex projects
• Mentoring and training other members of the ecology team
• Client contact and cultivation
• Undertaking Risk assessments and Health and Safety inspections for survey work
• Coordinating and undertaking scoping and species-specific ecology surveys
• Putting together ecology fee proposals
• Attending client and design team meetings when required
• Co-ordinating and leading on ecological appraisals for medium to large scale projects
• Designing protected species mitigation strategies
• Project management, report writing and delivery
• Adhering to our office checking procedures through our QA procedure
• Making licence applications as required

Essential:

• Licenced bat or great crested newt worker with experience in surveying for other protected species groups
• Honours degree in ecology or closely related field
• Experience in preparing and implementing European Protected Species Mitigation licences
• Previous experience in ecological consultancy (a minimum of 4 to 5 years)          
• Experience in project management from inception to completion
• Full CIEEM membership
• Full driving licence and access to a car
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including client and stakeholder liaison
• Good team player with the ability to work independently
• Thorough knowledge of wildlife legislation and planning policy

Desirable:

• Experience in Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitat Regulations Assessments
• Protected species class licence for other protected species groups
• Masters or PhD in ecology related subject
• Experience of providing consultancy services to the public sector and public sector tendering – including to Natural England

Is your current employer helping you to achieve you career goals?  If career development is important to you then this new job could be what you’re looking for.  You will work with the Team Leader to set a personal development plan to help you meet your career aspirations.  You will benefit from access to external training in addition to internal training session from a highly experienced in-house team.