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Senior / Principal Ecologist
 

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for an opportunity to join our established team undertaking a broad range of work within a multidisciplinary environmental practice?

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We are looking for a senior or principal ecologist to join a friendly office of ecologists, landscape architects and arboriculturists. We work throughout the UK, but mainly in the north of England and Midlands with a wide range of clients on an equally wide range of projects.

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Our office overlooks farmland but is close to the A1(M) located between Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough. We have plenty of car parking, good lunch-time dog walks and a children’s nursery within walking distance.

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Our work includes extended phase 1 habitat/UK Habitat Classification System and protected species surveys. We formulate mitigation proposals and habitat creation schemes in collaboration with our landscape team to support Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. We are currently supervising projects under EPS licences for bats and great crested newts. Generally, our outputs are in the form of technical reports for planning submission, but we also provide input to BREEAM Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments and EIAs.

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We are looking for a higher level of experience from senior to associate, such as experience with survey licences for bats and great crested newts, including knowledge of mitigation and previous successful submission of development licences for these species; although candidates nearing this level of experience would be considered. Ideally you would have experience of undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the DEFRA metric v3.1, and preparation of Ecological Impact Assessments/Ecology Chapters for use within Environmental Impact Assessments would be an advantage.

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As the successful candidate you will:

  • Be qualified to degree level or equivalent in ecology or a related discipline

  • Hold or be working towards a bat survey licence (Class 2) with experience of development licence application and supervision

  • Hold or working towards Associate or Full membership of CIEEM

  • An excellent working knowledge of wildlife legislation and the planning process, habitat and protected species surveying

  • A good understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain assessments with a competent handle on use of the Defra Metric

  • Experience of project management, preparing fee quotes and excellent report writing skills

  • Competent computer skills including use of QGIS mapping and bat call analysis software

  • Be self-motivated with an ability to communicate effectively, including management/mentoring of junior staff as part of team

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A full UK driving licence and car ownership/access is essential due to the nature of the role.

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We offer flexible and hybrid working hours with a competitive salary based on experience, annual training opportunities, a generous TOIL scheme, 25 days holiday per year (based on full time working), annual professional membership subscription to CIEEM, workplace pension scheme and a friendly office environment.

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If you would like an informal chat call Maria Gill or Mark Smeeden on 01423 863369, or email us at office@smeedenforeman.co.uk

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