Senior or Principal Ecological Consultant(s) - Birmingham, Cardiff, Guildford, Leeds or Manchester

Are you an ecological consultant working at senior or principal level with prior experience in commercial consultancy? If you are commercially aware, self-motivated, organised, with excellent client communication and project management skills, come and join our growing team!

The role

We are looking for commercially minded Senior or Principal Ecological Consultants to join our rapidly expanding teams, enhancing our offering to clients and building on our success. We have multiple positions available due to a period of sustained business growth.  Fundamental to our business’ continual progression, which has seen 42% growth in 2020, is the recruitment of more great team members to join us on this journey and to share in our success.

Suitable candidates will have strong commercial project management skills, have an approachable and adaptable leadership style, as well being technically competent, with an in-depth knowledge of ecology, legislation, and survey techniques. Outputs are expected to be high quality, on time and within budget. As with all consultancy work, you will need to be a professional with the ability to communicate effectively and to maintain positive client relationships.

You may already be working at senior or principal level and looking for a fresh approach to ecological consultancy, with plenty of scope for development and progression, or be ready to take the step up from consultant ecologist to senior. At principal level, you’ll be confident in undertaking business development, preparing quotes and tenders, and building client relationships. You will be a technical expert and capable of writing accurate and concise reports. At senior level, you will be a competent project manager, leading mid to large scale projects from inception to completion, with some experience of winning work and developing your commercial skillset.

You’ll be joining a company which is ambitious, progressive, rapidly growing and offers certainty in times of change. One where you play a key part in shaping the future and where you will be directly rewarded for your contributions to its growth, as we are proudly employee owned. We are constantly innovating and being opportunistic to market changes. This is demonstrated through many recent in-house development projects and the addition of climate change and biodiversity net gain to our commercial offering to our clients. It really is an exciting time to join #teamthomson!

Our workplace is happy and friendly – we are commercial but not corporate, guided by our values of Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence.  As an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) our collective efforts generate results that translate into greater rewards for everyone.  You’ll enjoy all the benefits we have to offer, including EOT approved bonuses (after 1 year of service), fantastic on-the-job training with the opportunity to contribute to and lead on high-profile, once in a life-time projects, 25 days annual leave, discounted gym membership, free parking (location dependent) and regular social events, with the odd cake thrown in for good measure!

Successful candidates must

• have relevant and proven experience in a similar role, within a commercial ecological consultancy
• have a degree or postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in an ecological or related subject
• be technically competent, with an in-depth knowledge of ecology, legislation, and survey techniques
• have advanced field skills in one or more specialist areas as well as holding a protected species licence(s)
• be organised with experience of managing projects
• have experience of leading and motivating a team of both site and office-based staff
• be financially adept with the ability to manage budgets
• have excellent written communication skills and be able to produce meticulous and accurate technical reports, for example EPSL applications, EcIA chapters and habitat regulation assessments
• have a full UK driving licence and use of a car
• have a positive outlook and a strong desire to succeed.

Ideally you will also

• have a proven work winning track record, experience of preparing bids and tenders and generating new business opportunities.
• full membership of CIEEM (or to have eligibility if not currently held)

About us

Thomson Environmental Consultants are experts in environmental compliance. Our specialist teams have been advising our clients across various sectors, on how to achieve their objectives and meet required environmental compliance since 2004. We cover a breadth of specialisms and are always pragmatic with our advice. With offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Guildford, Leeds and Manchester, our teams provide: ecological advice; undertake surveys and assessments; habitat design and creation; ecological contracting; invasive species management; freshwater and marine consultancy; arboriculture consultancy and contracting; data management and mapping; and marine laboratory services (invertebrates, fish and sediment analyses).

You can find out more about the type, size and scope of the projects we work on here: https://www.thomsonec.com/projects/

What you can expect from us? Read some of our employee testimonials:

Thomson has provided me with the opportunity to manage a diverse portfolio of projects from a variety of sectors. The company fosters a positive atmosphere where everyone feels valued. The support team are fantastic and work tirelessly to make life easier for everyone else. Thomson thrives on innovation and actively engages with research institutes to improve the effectiveness of its survey methods. People are recognised for their achievements and there are plenty of opportunities for career progression. I recommend Thomson for anyone considering a career in ecology. William T

Thomson offers its staff a great culture in which to thrive in. With an open-door policy, supportive team environment and flexible working, it creates a happy and productive workplace. Our CEO is always keen to explore new ventures, making Thomson an exciting place to work and let’s not forget our amazing staff parties organised by our very own social team! Finance Team

I’ve found the culture of the company refreshing – there’s a fast-pace approach to decision making which means that ideas are not just discussed but implemented! Tessa H

These are permanent positions based at one of our offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Guildford, Leeds or Manchester. The successful candidates will live within commuting distance of these offices or be prepared to relocate. An element of remote working will be considered.

Please apply as soon as possible with your CV and a convincing covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (max 500 words) to recruitment@thomsonec.com