Principal Ecology & Biodiversity Consultant - The Guardian : Job Details

Job Title: Principal Ecology & Biodiversity Consultant

Location: West Midlands, but as we carry out work across the UK we are able to be flexible on location 

Salary: Competitive 

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Company is recruiting for a Principal Ecology & Biodiversity Consultant to support the growth and development of their ecology and biodiversity team in England. Whilst the role can be shaped around the right candidate in some respects, we are keen to hear from ecologists currently operating at a principal level who are confident in project delivery and can contribute to team management in aspects such as technical review, mentoring and/or financial management.

The Company's ‘hub’ of ecologists in England is in the West Midlands, but as we carry out work across the UK we are able to be flexible on location. Being based within 2hrs commute of Wolverhampton would be ideal.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to take on a wide range of projects across all sectors, as well working closely with the Ecology Director to support the continuing development of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team. Our current project portfolio ranges from small, local single-plot developments, through Environmental Impact Assessment, and supporting large clients with their own biodiversity incentives, which has included designing bespoke biodiversity metrics and developing a framework of exciting biodiversity initiatives for a client’s full estate.

Our tagline is ‘See A Difference’, and we are proud to provide clients with real-world, pragmatic and focused advice which seeks to support our clients as well as providing benefits to biodiversity.

About you:

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess a BSc and/or MSc in Ecology or related discipline and a Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Essential Skills:

The following skills are considered essential to the role:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A broad understanding of the planning process and the part ecological assessment plays within it
• In-depth knowledge and experience of field surveys for most of the following; habitats, amphibians, bats, water vole, otter, reptiles, invasive plants and birds
• Knowledge and experience of the application of Biodiversity Net Gain
• An understanding of, and ability to talk clients and colleagues through protected species mitigation, including the requirements for licensing and non-licensed approaches
• Some experience of financial management either at a project or team level (further company-specific training will be provided in this respect)
• Experience in dealing with potential impacts on protected sites, including assent / consent and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), (screening and Appropriate Assessment)
• Familiarity and experience of the process of Environmental Impact Assessment and contribution to EIA chapters

Desirable Skills:

The following skills would be advantageous, but are not an essential requirement for the role:

• A protected species licence holder (great crested newt, bats, badger and/or water vole)
• Experience of line management
• Experience of stakeholder consultation, such as with Natural England, the Environment Agency and local planning authorities
• A willingness to be inventive and creative in developing ecological solutions to novel problems

Benefits:

The salary range for this role would be commensurate with experience. In addition, The Company offers numerous benefits including:

• Subscription to a relevant professional body (generally expected to be CIEEM)
• External and internal training tailored around the individual
• 33 days annual leave (leave and public holiday combined) and the option to buy and sell holidays
• An Employee Assistance Programme
• A generous employee referral scheme
• Volunteering Day for a worthy cause
• Fully flexible parental leave options
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes

Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role.

Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Ecology Consultant, Biodiversity Consultant, Ecology, Scientific Consultant, Ecologist, Project Manager, Project Assistant may also be considered for this role.