Senior Ecologist

Job Title: Senior Ecologist

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

Location: Based near Reading

Salary: -33,000 - -37,000

This is an exciting opportunity to join my client, an independent, innovative Ecology Consultancy, lending their expertise to a range of important projects across the ecological landscape. They are on the lookout for an experienced, passionate Senior Ecologist, willing to take on a variety of challenging projects alongside an already-established team of professionals, based near the vibrant, modern town of Reading.

Benefits for the role of Senior Ecologist include:

• A competitive basic salary, plus annual bonus scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with number of years'' service
• Time off in Lieu (TOIL) available, to compensate hours spent in the field
• Flexible, hybrid working opportunities
• Professional Membership fees paid for
• A diverse, sociable team who champion equality and engagement
• Training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities

Responsibilities for the role of Senior Ecologist include:

• Overseeing specialist technical work, leading a dynamic team of professionals
• Taking the lead on a variety of challenging projects across the region
• Carrying out ecological surveys, utilising data to inform reports, including Protected Species Licence Applications, etc.
• Reviewing and amending reports and assessments authored by other colleagues
• Engaging with and managing a number of clients and stakeholders across the public and private sectors (to include Local Authorities, etc.)
• Representing the company whilst leading projects across the local area and further afield

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

• A Bachelor''s and/or Master''s Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Science (or similar, relevant discipline)
• Extensive experience within a UK-based ecological consultancy (or in a relevant role with a Local Authority, etc.)
• Experience of preparing and submitting Mitigation Licence applications
• Demonstrable fieldwork experience, analysing and interpreting data to inform the necessary reports and assessments, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), planning applications, etc.
• Proficient in the use of GIS mapping systems
• Outstanding communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to work under pressure and meet required deadlines
• Possess a minimum of one Protected Species Survey Licence (for bats, Great Crested Newts, etc.)
• Experience of leading on the delivery of a range of projects
• Hold a full, valid UK driving licence, as well as your own vehicle, with a willingness to travel to a variety of sites
• Willing to work unsociable hours in order to conduct vital fieldwork

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

• Hold multiple Protected Species Survey Licence (for bats, dormice, barn owls, Great Crested Newts, etc.)
• Experience of producing technical reports, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, etc.
• Competencies with application for, and implementation of, the necessary Mitigation Licences
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Experience of team management/leadership
• BMCL registered, or hold Earned Recognition (ER) Class Licence