Botanist – Hemel Hempstead, Tonbridge, Deddington, Coventry, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol or Helsby (Chester)

The RSK ecology team have a legacy of botanical expertise.  Leading our team, our Scientific Director Dr Richard Carter is a BSBI vice-county recorder and a passionate botanist, we also have strong links with the University of Reading’s Plant Diversity MSc who’s staff contribute to our botanical training programme. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of plant identification and vegetation surveys on all of our projects. We also work on more unusual projects which require specific botanical skills.

We are currently looking for experienced botanists to continue and expand our excellent work and become involved with a range of existing projects including international pipeline schemes, botanical monitoring of salt marsh, chalk grassland and moorland, and habitat restoration projects.

We would like to employ individuals who are passionate about training younger generations of botanists, and will contribute to our exciting botany training scheme, as well as continuing to expand their own skills with mentoring from Richard and our botany team.

We are willing to accept expressions’ of interest from self-employed consultants, subject to a work agreement and a minimum contribution of three days per week. To find out more about the Ecology team and projects follow us on Twitter @RSKEcology.

Botanist – Hemel Hempstead, Tonbridge, Deddington, Coventry, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol or Helsby (Chester)

As a botanist at RSK you can expect to get involved with all elements of project management.  Some of the key responsibilities will include:

Co-ordinating and undertaking Phase 1 habitat and NVC / Phase 2 surveys;
Designing and implementing mitigation strategies;
Financial management of projects;
Production of tenders and reports;
Project management, report writing and delivery;
Managing and mentoring junior members of the team.

Person specification

3 to 5 years relevant experience, or proven previous experience in a similar role;
FISC Level 4 or above (advantageous);
Relevant degree in botany or similar
Good team player, with the ability to work independently;
Enthusiasm, energy and drive to develop skills and deliver projects to the highest standard;
Excellent report writing skills, including survey reports, EcIAs, HRAs, NVC reports and tenders;
Full driving licence;
Full membership of CIEEM (or to have eligibility if not currently held).

Salary and benefits:

£ commensurate with experience;
Contributory Pension Scheme;
A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays, childcare vouchers and private health care;
Regular training and career development;
4-day week in the winter to compensate for longer working hours in the summer.

We operate an open and relaxed management culture that nurtures continuous improvement and innovation. This also enables us to achieve a staff turnover rate that’s consistently below the industry average. Adopting a proactive growth strategy helps us to run a sustainable and profitable business while providing new and exciting career opportunities for all.

As an entrepreneurial organisation, we encourage and foster the growth of our employees. When joining RSK, a mentor works with you to ensure you set and achieve your goals. We want to accelerate your professional development, including opportunities for a promotional fast track.

Further, retaining staff is the building block of a successful organisation. As a company, RSK wants to ensure you maintain a healthy work life balance, with many opportunities for flexible working hours, locality flexibility, social activities, and community involvement projects.

The company prides itself on providing its staff with a rewarding and challenging career, encouraging Continuous Professional Development, allowing employees to reach their full potential.  Having been recently placed within the top 10 UK environmental consultancies (Environmental Analyst, December 2015) and number 42 in the Sunday Times Fast Track 200 which rates the success of private companies in the UK, there has never been a more exciting time to join RSK Group.

All candidates applying for positions with RSK Group must be eligible to work in the UK/European Economic Area. Candidates should confirm this when applying with their CV and covering letter.

For more information please call Kate Pine, HR Advisor on 01928 728156 or email kpine@rsk.co.uk.

RSK is committed to our Corporate Responsibility strategy. We seek to minimise our impact on the environment; to engage positively with the community and education groups; to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which to work; and to promote Corporate Responsibility throughout our supply chain.