Ecologist

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Ecologist to join our friendly and knowledgeable team based in Blackford, Somerset.

About Clarkson & Woods

Clarkson and Woods are a busy, well-established and highly regarded ecological consultancy. We were proud to be named as Medium Sized Consultancy of the Year by CIEEM in 2019 and were Commended in the same award in 2023, having introduced our unique 4-day week working arrangement. While we have a diverse portfolio of projects in the housing, utilities, commercial and charity sectors, over the past decade Clarkson and Woods have developed a leading position within the renewables industry, specialising in large scale ground mounted PV arrays. We are now seeking an experienced Ecologist to assist us with a growing order book. Clarkson and Woods is a dynamic and supportive place to work, and this job provides an opportunity to be at the forefront of our work, driving the solar industry forward to achieve the best possible outcomes for biodiversity.

Key Responsibilities

You will be working within a friendly team of (~25) ecologists and will be expected to co-ordinate teams of both in house surveyors and subconsultants. You will manage and deliver projects of your own; this will include tendering for work, helping undertake the full range of ecological baseline and protected surveys that we offer, and presenting results and recommendations for appropriate mitigation within well-written reports. For us, diversity of projects has always been important, both to ensure we develop well rounded consultants but also ensure that our work continues to be inspiring and challenging.

What We Offer

• A supportive and informal working environment with an emphasis on wellbeing.
• A varied and interesting role with excellent opportunities to build experience.
• Extensive annual training schedule, including guest lectures, workshops and practical field-based training sessions.
• Mentoring and support provided by Senior and Principal Ecologists within our team.
• A competitive salary based on experience.
• A 4-day working week at full pay.
• Permanent contract subject to probationary period.
• Paid overtime and Time-Off In Lieu working arrangements
• Flexible working opportunities (e.g. home working, flexible hours and unpaid leave options).
• Professional membership paid for.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for yourself and immediate family members.
• Enrolment into our Pension Scheme.
• Access to our fleet of company vehicles for field surveys.
• Company perks including tickets to music festivals, theatre trips, staff parties and more.
• We are an ethically conscious employer committed to the promotion of positive environmental and social change. We are currently in the process of becoming B-Corp Certified.

Specification and Requirements

Successful applicants will be enthusiastic, independent, reliable and well-organised.  Candidates must be willing to work some evenings (e.g. to carry out bat or nocturnal bird surveys) on occasion, during our busiest periods. Travel throughout the UK (mainly Southern England and Wales) will be required, as will occasional overnight stays. Full time work is preferred but we will consider applications for a part time role for the correct candidate. In addition, we would expect:

• A passion for wildlife.
• A degree in an appropriate science discipline, ideally ecology or biology.
• At least 2 years’ employment in relevant sector (NGO, statutory agency, local authority, academic or consultancy).
• The ability to confidently liaise with clients, statutory bodies and contractors.
• The ability to efficiently write technical reports based on survey findings.
• Experience of designing and implementing appropriate mitigation for protected and priority species, sites and habitats.
• A good understanding of survey protocol for several protected species.
• A good understanding of wildlife legislation and planning policy applicable within the UK.
• Membership of CIEEM is desirable although not essential
• Good IT skills including use of MS Office and MS Teams, while the ability to use GIS, bat sound analysis and thermal image processing software is desirable.
• Candidates must hold a full UK driving licence. Given our rural office location, your own transport is a necessity

Deadline for applications: 27/9/2024

If you are interested in this opportunity please send a covering letter and your CV to info@clarksonwoods.co.uk. If you require further information please call our office on 01934 712500 and ask to speak to our Managing Director, Tom Clarkson.

If your application is successful, we will contact you by email or telephone to discuss the next steps and arrange an interview.