Location
Manchester | United Kingdom
Job description
Principal Ecologist
Manchester
£46,000 - £55,000
The candidate will become involved with large infrastructure projects similar in scale to those managed by larger organisations, alongside a diverse range of medium-sized projects encompassing residential developments, urban regeneration initiatives, mixed-use developments, schools, strategic land projects, and smaller stand-alone ecology survey projects.
You'll also engage with and develop expertise in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), ensuring each project meets the legal requirement of leaving the natural environment in a measurably improved state compared to its pre-project condition.
Required Experience
- A comprehensive understanding of ecological legislation and planning policy in the UK is required. Experience in both linear infrastructure and property development projects is preferred
- Candidates should aspire to attain, or already possess, full Membership of CIEEM and/or Chartered Ecologist status.
- They should possess between 6-9 years of experience in ecological consultancy or a related field, with more experience expected for a Principal role compared to a Senior role.
- Strong skills in report writing are essential for producing PEA reports, EcIA, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, and BREEAM 2018 Assessments. Additionally, experience in people management, team leadership, and development is necessary.
- The ability to work independently with excellent communication, including technical report writing, and the capability to prepare fee proposals are important. Candidates should also be proficient in conducting ecological surveys and desk-based studies to a high standard, as well as in performing technical review of reports.
- Experience in public inquiries or input would be advantageous. A solid understanding of conservation legislation and protected species licensing, preferably holding at least one survey/handling license for a protected species, is desired.
- Familiarity with the EIA process and experience in conducting Ecological Impact Assessments, as well as contributing to Environmental Statement chapters, would be beneficial.
- Candidates should be able to provide practical, commercially-minded ecological advice to major clients and hold a full UK driving license.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package with annual salary reviews.
- 26 days holiday per year, rising to 31 days with loyalty days, plus bank holidays.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Fantastic training and development culture.
- Access to mentoring support from industry experts.
- Opportunity to play a key role in exciting and varied projects.
- Fast-tracked career progression for the right candidates.
- Opportunity to mentor junior colleagues
If this opportunity is one of interest and you’d like to discuss it further, please get in touch with our Geotechnical and Environmental consultant, Dan McIntosh, with your most up-to-date CV.
Job tags
Salary
£46k - £55k per annum
