Ecologist

ABR Ecology have a permanent contract position open to join our team starting ASAP following continual growth of the company. We are currently seeking an ecologist level candidate who has previous experience with protected species surveys and ideally BNG assessments £29,000 - £31,000 pa pro rata (negotiable dependent upon experience).

The position is office-based, with the right candidate able to undertake some home working where required to suit their needs, with our office located in Verwood, Dorset. Our field work is based in Dorset, Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Somerset and the surrounds.

About ABR Ecology

ABR Ecology are a small, friendly consultancy based in Verwood, Dorset working throughout the Southwest. Our work includes a wide variety of exciting projects ranging from small-scale homeowner developments to more complex and challenging projects such as large-scale housing developments, Biodiversity Net Gain and mineral projects.

We have a specialist expertise in bats, being one of the first Earned Recognition Registered Consultants, and conduct a range of surveys including dormice, reptiles, great crested newts, barn owls and botanical surveys. We are a close-knit team currently consisting of 12 full-time members of staff, with seasonal support sought throughout our busy summer season. We are now looking for an all-round ecologist to settle over the coming winter and ensure we are ready for the survey season in 2025, as the company continues to grow.  

Ecologist Level (x 1 position available) 

Full-time 37.5 hrs per week with Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) scheme for any overtime hours worked. Permanent contract for the right candidate and working hours during the summer months (particularly May and August) are expected to be long. 

The expected Ecologist role involves leading in a relevant field such as either holding a class 1 bat licence and leading Preliminary Roost Appraisals or an expertise in botany to lead Preliminary Ecological Appraisals/Biodiversity Net Gain assessments. Any other protected species licence would be considered in lieu of a bat class 1.

The right applicant would be suitable for the role if they could assist the principle and senior ecologists in managing projects, quoting, undertake some training and support of the junior staff and undertaking report writing to a high level. The optimal candidate would also be able to undertake some peer reviewing of basic reports and be experienced in QGIS.

Fieldwork is undertaken regularly with PRAs, PEAs and BNG assessments being undertake daily/weekly. The fieldwork is mainly based in and around the southwest but may be further afield, on occasion. 

In house relevant training will be provided, where necessary CIEEM Biodiversity Net Gain training will be provided, and surveys and reports will be prepared by yourself ready for senior review. We also have an excellent training regime, with extensive winter training, CIEEM membership/protected species licence subscriptions paid for by the company, an annual paid training course of your choice and a myriad of voluntary protected species sites you would be welcome to join including dormice tube and Bechstein’s bat box sites within the local area.

Essential Skills - Ecologist Level

• Degree in Ecology or related field. 
• Expected to have 3 - 4 years of experience in ecological consultancy.
• Either a sufficient skill in botany or a class 1 bat licence to allow you to lead relevant surveys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - ability to liaise with other team members and clients by phone/email and in person with examples provided at interview. 
• Experience of report writing with attention to detail to a high standard. 
• A highly organised team player and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Ability to multi-task, be self-motivated and enthusiastic.

• Member of CIEEM or currently working towards membership.

Desirable Skills - Ecologist Level (not mandatory - training will be provided where required)

• A good understanding of current relevant UK Wildlife law, including the newly implemented Environment Act 2021. 
• Evidence of working towards any protected species licenses/holding EPS licences.
• Expertise in QGIS mapping and BNG input.

Essential Practical Requirements

• Full, clean UK driving licence & access to own vehicle insured for business use.
• Competent working with computers (using Microsoft Office) and other technology e.g. using tablets for bat emergence surveys. 
• Dorset/Hampshire based (ideally Bournemouth area but will consider all areas - the candidate would be expected to relocate if from further afield).
• Ability to carry out fieldwork and work during unsociable hours including dusk/dawn times. Working over some Bank Holidays will also be required only in the months May to August.  

ABR Ecology are committed to providing a supportive working environment with a competitive salary, in addition to ongoing opportunities for CPD and training offered for permanent members of staff. A Workplace Pension Scheme is also provided through Nest.

ABR Ecology Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and will consider all candidates with the right experience from all backgrounds provided you have the right to work in the UK.

Interested applicants please send a CV and a cover letter outlining why you are suitable for the role to phil.abrecology@gmail.com.