Senior Ecologist

ECOSA are pleased to be seeking a Senior Ecologist to join us at our head office in rural Hampshire.

As a key member of our consultancy team, your enthusiasm for ecology and flexible approach will equip you well in supporting our expanding business.

With the support of our consultants, you will use your expertise to provide sound advice and deliver pragmatic and cost-effective survey and mitigation solutions to ensure our clients’ development and conservation goals are successful in respect of ecology.

About You

You will have five years or more relevant experience gained in ecological consultancy, local authority or a planning environment.

The ideal candidate will be customer focussed, detail orientated and a skilled communicator with strong verbal and written skills. You will be able to manage client expectations and meet deadlines, and be comfortable project managing small-scale projects such as private home redevelopment, through to large-scale residential / commercial development and infrastructure projects.

You will carry out a range of field surveys, including extended Phase 1 habitat surveys and protected species surveys, alongside day-to-day office-based work such as client and regulatory authority liaison, managing surveyor teams, report writing and budget management.

You will work on Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, designing and implementing ecological mitigation, compensation and enhancement schemes, habitat management and monitoring plans, and preparing and submitting applications for Natural England EPS licences.

As a key part of our technical team, you will also support our junior ecologists and will invest time in their development.

ECOSA strive for excellence and you will use your continuously expanding knowledge base to contribute directly to the growth and reputation of the company.

To be successful in this role, you will have the following:

Essential Skills and Qualifications
Full CIEEM membership, or be eligible;
Degree in a relevant subject;
Hold a minimum of a Level 2 Natural England bat licence (CL18);
Minimum of five years post-qualification experience in an ecologically focussed role, preferably in ecological consultancy;
An accomplished and broad background in ecological survey and assessment techniques;
Proven experience of undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and producing high quality Ecological Impact Assessments and other technical reports;
Strong knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance;
Good understanding of Habitats Regulations Assessment;
Experience of project co-ordination, budget management and Health and Safety risk management;
Be a team player with exceptional verbal and written communications skills;
Experience in reviewing the work of junior colleagues;
Sound MS Outlook, Word and Excel skills;
A full driving licence; and
Legal entitlement to work in the UK.

Desirable Skills
Hold Natural England / Natural Resources Wales protected species licences (in addition to bats);
Botanical survey skills;
Have recently obtained a Natural England Development Licence;
Habitats Regulations Assessment experience; and / or
Other qualifications such as tree climbing and aerial rescue.

What ECOSA can offer you

ECOSA has a dedicated team of ecologists who are committed to the success of the business. We are therefore committed to the development of our staff and as part of the team you will have access to:

A mentoring system to promote your development and encourage your progression with reference to the CIEEM Competency Framework;
A generous structured training budget and regular in-house training;
An extensive support network within the company to provide guidance and specialist advice;
Flexible working hours (during the summer), overtime/TOIL;
A relaxed office environment; and
A rural office location with free car parking, a large garden, wildlife ponds and lunch area.
ECOSA are committed to providing a safe and supportive working environment where all of our staff can thrive. We provide all of our staff with a contributory pension and access to a childcare voucher scheme (subject to eligibility).

How to Apply

Please email your Curriculum Vitae, ensuring to highlight all relevant knowledge, experience and skills, and a covering letter providing evidence of how you meet the above requirements, for the attention of Alexandra Nicholls, Company Administrator at admin@ecosa.co.uk.

Please let us know how you found out about this opportunity and title your email in the subject line ‘Senior Ecologist Vacancy’.

If you would like to informally discuss this role, please email admin@ecosa.co.uk in the first instance.

Closing date: This opportunity is open until the position has been filled.

Please note ecologist roles are only open to direct applicants; applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.