Senior Ecologist

Job Title: Senior/Principal Ecologist

Ref. No.: CJD(phone number removed)G

Location: Based near Stockport

Salary: £33,000 - £40,000

This is the ideal opportunity to join my client, a highly-respected, innovative Multidisciplinary Consultancy, lending their expertise to an extensive range of projects across the ecology, landscape architecture and planning, and urban design landscapes. They are actively seeking an experienced, reliable Senior Ecologist, willing to take on a variety of challenging projects alongside an already-established team of professionals, based near the trendy, industrial town of Stockport.

Benefits for the role of Senior Ecologist include (but are not limited to):

- A competitive basic salary
- A company pension scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement, rising with length of service
- Opportunities to engage in flexible working
- One Professional Membership paid for, annually
- A diverse, innovative team that champions collaborative working
- Training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities
- Cycle-to-Work scheme
- Discounts on local leisure facilities, etc.

Responsibilities for the role of Senior Ecologist include:

- Overseeing a number of projects, from initial inception through to successful delivery
- Undertaking fieldwork, including surveying protected species and habitats, etc.
- Analysing and interpreting data sets to inform technical reports and assessments
- Peer-reviewing and amending colleagues' reports
- Undertaking Ecological Clerk of Works activities, with respect to the relevant legislation, planning consent, and environmental and ecological protection measures
- Managing and mentoring a team of colleagues
- Engaging with and managing a range of clients and stakeholders, across the public and private sectors
- Complying with various guidelines and legislation, constantly upholding industry standards

Required skills and experience for the role of Senior Ecologist include:

- A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a similar, relevant background
- Extensive experience in an ecology role, within a UK-based consultancy setting
- Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
- Good understanding of UK and European Commission wildlife legislation and policy
- Experience of practical applications of mitigation requirements for protected species
- Proficiency in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and the appropriate planning processes
- Hold at least one Protected Species Survey Licence (e.g., bats, dormice, Great Crested Newts, etc.)
- Ability to deliver European Protected Species (EPS) Licences, and produce Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
- Experience of undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments
- Proficient in the use of GIS mapping systems
- Demonstrable experience of managing people and projects
- Excellent communication (written and verbal), organisational, and interpersonal skills
- Capable of working under pressure, whilst remaining positive and enthusiastic in your approach
- Hold a full, valid UK driving licence, with a willingness to work non-standard hours and away from home, as and when required

Desirable skills and experience for the role of Senior Ecologist include:

- Hold multiple Protected Species Survey Licence (bats and Great Crested Newts particularly desirable)
- Named Ecologist (EPSL)
- Competencies with application for, and implementation of, the necessary Mitigation Licences (particularly for bats and Great Crested Newts)
- Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) Level 3 or above
- Experience of producing technical reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, etc.
- Experience of managing/leading a team

If you are interested in the role of Senior Ecologist, please do not hesitate to contact the Ecology Team at Penguin Recruitment. Please also see our website for a range of other roles currently available. This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a recruitment agency in respect to this vacancy