Principal Ecologist

A consultant ecologist’s role is to balance the objectives of developers with the needs of the environment.  SWT Ecology Services is an advocate for protecting key environmental assets whilst at the same time being a facilitator of development that improves the quality of life for local communities.  SWT Ecology Services manages the challenge of reconciling the two and sees each project as an opportunity to achieve the best possible outcome for both parties. 

The role

As part of a team of expert principal and senior ecologists, you will work on a diverse portfolio of projects, including large infrastructure projects, housing developments, and private homes.  You will be responsible for delivering projects, throughout the entire project life-cycle; liaising with clients, stakeholders and subject matter experts.  You will be holding the team and sub-contractors to account on delivery, quality, time and costs as well as reporting against milestones, financials and resourcing. You will lead teams on a range of surveys, prepare high quality technical reports, mitigation licences, precautionary methods of working and supervising works.  Principal Ecologists will have line management responsibilities.

This is a permanent full time role but part-time options will also be considered. 

We operate a flexi policy and aim to provide a good work/life balance whilst having an interesting and challenging working environment. 

The salary offered to successful applicants will be agreed based on qualifications and experience and will form part of a benefits package including: above minimum pension contributions, life assurance of 4 x salary, employee support scheme, 22 days holiday, flexible working policy and a bonus scheme paid three times a year.

Your skills

You will have experience in undertaking and delivering Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments and protected species and habitat surveys.  You will have demonstrable experience in all stages of project management from inception to delivery and invoicing; client and stakeholder liaison; and peer reviewing reports.   You must have a good knowledge of legislation and planning policy.

You must be ready to travel and work flexible hours and ideally have a CSCS card.  Given the role involves travelling around the county, you will need to have a valid UK driver’s licence and access to your own transport. 

SWT Ecology Services

SWT Ecology Services has a dynamic and supportive team of experienced ecologists.  We are a fully owned subsidiary of Surrey Wildlife Trust.  This means that our profits are returned to SWT on an annual basis, thus supporting SWT’s mission to create a living landscape across the county. 

Although working for SWT Ecology Services you will have numerous opportunities to get involved with SWT’s activities.  We are also active across the Wildlife Trust Consultancies network and attend quarterly webinars on current ecological trends; in addition to attending an annual conference where you can network with ecologists throughout the country.

Our office is in Pirbright, although remote working will be possible. 

If this is the role for you:

We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from backgrounds which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. 

We are committed to offering an interview to all candidates that meet the essential criteria for the post.  Please let us know if you require any adjustment to make our recruitment process more accessible.

If you fulfil the role criteria, please send a completed application form, available on our website, www.surreywildlifetrust.org or www.swtecologyservices.org to Gabbie Graham, MD of SWT Ecology Services swtes.recruitment@surreywt.org.uk.

The deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 1^st April 2022.  Interviews will be held remotely via Zoom or Microsoft Teams in mid April.