Principal Marine Ecologist

RPS is seeking to appoint a Principal Marine Ecologist to undertake and further develop our work in marine ecology, marine renewables, marine conservation and marine spatial planning. This is an opportunity for an experienced and well-rounded candidate, to assist with RPS’ rapidly expanding ecology services, working on conservation and development-orientated projects.

The successful candidate will be a specialist in marine and coastal ecology, ideally with specific experience in marine mammals, including the assessment of development impacts. As well as a demonstrable track record in business development and delivery of high quality Environmental Impact Assessment, experience in further species groups would be an advantage (notably fisheries or benthic ecology).

The role will involve team work, developing businesses and delivering innovative and clear guidance for developers and statutory agencies on marine conservation issues. It will also provide the opportunity to work in one of the Europe’s leading consultancies providing environmental services to developers at the forefront of the next generation of low carbon energy production.

The preferred location of the post is the Chepstow office, but there is flexibility to work in our Bristol and Cardiff offices.

Responsibilities:

· Managing complex and multidisciplinary projects;

· Providing technical expertise;

· Liaising with clients and stakeholders;

· Promoting the company’s marine environmental services;

· Providing expert advice on policy and legislative developments in a range of sectors, and the implications of these for our clients and projects;

Qualifications and Essential Skills:

· Minimum BSc (MSc/PhD advantageous) in a relevant environmental science (i.e. marine biology, coastal sciences);

· In depth knowledge of relevant legislation and guidelines;

· Minimum of 5 years relevant consultancy experience, with a good network of contacts;

· Strong project management, communication and presentation skills;

· Excellent technical knowledge of one or more of the following: marine mammal ecology, fisheries ecology and management, benthic ecology, renewable energy developments; coastal oil and gas developments; coastal power generation; aquaculture, port and harbour developments; marine protected areas, aggregate extraction, coastal zone management and/or marine spatial planning.