Senior Ecologist

Who We Are

We’re a vibrant and expanding ecological consultancy based in the lovely Waveney Valley in South Norfolk. Established in 2010 the business has gone from strength to strength, with an emphasis on building positive relationships with our clients.

We’re a small team but are well connected with other ecology specialists and multidisciplinary teams and we take a collaborative approach to our work. We have a good variety of projects, from PEAs and protected species surveys/mitigation to higher level assessments, such as shadow HRAs. Our work is largely focused in the East of England but with some wider work across rest of the UK.

We’re a family friendly employer and celebrate individualism and the unique perspectives this brings to our team. We acknowledge talent and nurture the aspirations of each individual, with the wellbeing of our team members being of the upmost importance. For us happy staff equates to a happy workplace.

What We’re Looking For

We are currently looking for an experienced and passionate senior ecologist to help manage our friendly and busy team. You’ll be given a hands-on role in project management and have direct contact with our broad client base. You’ll be given the opportunity to increase your experience in the day to day running of a thriving consultancy and over a variety of our projects from EcIA and HRA/AA, to protected species mitigation and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.

A minimum of 6 years’ experience in an ecological consultancy or a similar setting is required, along with a strong foundation in Phase 1 survey/UK Habs techniques and proficient botanical identification skills. High competency in protected species surveys and habitat assessments, as well as in mitigation for protected species and habitats, is essential. While a protected species license is desirable, it is not essential, and we are committed to supporting our staff in achieving their career goals in this regard.

Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject required as a minimum and affiliation to, or meeting the membership criteria for, CIEEM is required.

Job Role

Your duties will include:

• Undertaking & coordinating Phase 1 habitat/UK Habs & protected species surveys
• Undertaking & coordinating Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
• Leading EcIA and HRA/AA
• Undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the DEFRA Metric
• Producing & reviewing high quality written reports
• Use of QGIS for mapping and analysis
• Designing & coordinate protected species mitigation schemes
• Liaising with project managers and clients
• Management of team workload
• Coordinating team and field assistants
• Planning & coordinating surveys

The vacancy is for a full-time position on a permanent contract with a standard 3 month probationary period. The typical working week being Monday-Friday, some weekend work may occasionally be required.

Salary and Terms

Salary: £37-45k Negotiable, competitive salary, commensurate with experience and capability matrix.

Benefits: Company pension scheme is running with investment into Nest. 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays, plus 1 day for your birthday and 4 days for Christmas break. Additional holiday accrual scheme for employees of more than 2 years’ service.

The Perks!

Work/Life Balance

• Flexi and remote working options, including working around child/family care
  responsibilities or health conditions
• Toil accrual and rest policy
• No more than 2 ‘anti-social’ hours surveys per week where possible
• 28 days annual leave (inc. bank holidays), +1 day for your birthday and + 4 days for
  Christmas
• Holiday accrual scheme for employees of more than 2 years’ service

Financial Wellbeing

• Salary: £37-45K negotiable, commensurate with experience and capability matrix
• Company pension scheme, with enhancement options
• Expenses advances and instant BACs for large expense sums
• Provision of all required PPE and other essential kit and materials

Personal and Workplace Wellbeing

• Private healthcare, with family cover options
• Work wellbeing action plans and monthly well-being check-ins
• Employee Assistance Programme
• One paid conservation volunteer day annually
• Two annual paid team building days
• Workplace assessments (risk assessments, occupational health referrals, Display Screen
  Equipment assessments)
• Enforced lunch breaks and fresh air breaks (company of office dog optional)

Professional Development

• Generous annual training budget
• Inhouse and collaborative learning opportunities
• Mentoring
• CIEEM competency framework objectives
• Appraisals
• Management training
• Personalised career path planning

For further information please contact us on 01379 740098.

Closing date
for applications is 31st March.