Ecologist

Job Description: Consultant Ecologist

Main Purpose To independently undertake a range of ecological site of Role: assessments and protected species surveys; manage projects of various complexities; engage and liaise with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders; prepare and issue high-quality reports.

Reports to: Senior Ecologist

Location: Stroud, Gloucestershire or Caerphilly, South Wales - homeworking and office attendance (flexible arrangement).

Key Responsibilities:
1. Independently undertaking, leading, or assisting with the delivery of ecological services including site assessments (including Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA),
Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA), UKHab, and biodiversity net gain (BNG) calculations) and a wide range of protected species surveys (such as dusk bat emergence, badger, dormouse, great crested newt, otter, reptile, and water vole surveys).

2. Preparation and review of ecological reports (PEA, PRA, Ecological Impact
Assessment, BNG, Construction Environmental Management Plan, Biodiversity
Enhancement Strategy, Species/ Habitat Mitigation Strategy) including detailed analysis and interpretation of results and the provision of recommendations and robust advice.

4. Independently undertaking or assisting with site compliance checks (i.e. Ecological
Clerk of Works (ECoW) duties) and monitoring visits.

5. Reviewing risk assessments for field work and safe working practices, organising site access, and client engagement.

6. The preparation and review of quotations, tenders, and bids and invoicing duties.
7. Managing projects of various sizes and complexities. Overseeing survey data management.

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8. Liaising with clients, customers, and key stakeholders on all relevant aspects of UK wildlife legislation and policy, instilling confidence when advising clients on wildlife issues during the development process.

9. Mentoring of junior colleagues and collaboration with other departments, including arboriculture and marketing.

10. Any other reasonable duties that may contribute to the support and growth of the business.

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Person Specification: Consultant Ecologist

Essential:

- Two or more years’ experience in the delivery of ecological services within the UK.
- Ability to identify common species of plants and animals in the British Isles.
- Understanding of BS42020:2013, BS8683:2021 and relevant wildlife legislation and planning policy across the UK.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Ability to communicate well across different media in a clear and effective manner.
- Project management experience.
- Experience of leading simple field surveys.
- Experience of ECoW duties, delivering toolbox talks, or the supervision of mitigation measures, compliance, and monitoring.
- Access to own car for business use.
- Eligibility to work permanently within the UK.
- Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

- Possession of a protected species ‘survey’ licence (such as bat, great crested newt, dormouse), or working towards a class licence.
- Experience of BNG on more complex sites.
- Experience of BREEAM assessment.
- Botanical skills (FISC) and/or breeding bird survey experience.
- Enthusiasm for the restoration of biodiversity loss/ re-wilding and the protection of the natural environment.
- Degree in a relevant and recognised ecological or environmental discipline.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

(CIEEM), and a desire to work towards higher levels of professional membership.

We understand not everyone will meet all the essential requirements, but you might have supplementary skills we didn’t know we needed If you meet 80% or more of what we’re looking for, please still apply.

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Salary and Benefits:
Salary Range: £26,000 - £34,000 per annum (depending on level of experience)

Holiday Entitlement: Start at a minimum of 25 days plus public holidays increasing to a maximum of 30 days plus public holidays with service.

An additional day’s holiday is awarded on your birthday, or nearest working day, each year.

Volunteer Scheme: One paid day per quarter allowed for Wildwood team volunteering with a national charity or not-for-profit community group.

One paid day per quarter allowed for individual volunteering with a national charity or not-for-profit community group.

Wellbeing Scheme: One paid day per quarter allowed to engage in wellbeing activity, either individually or as a part of the Wildwood team.

Pension: NEST Workplace Pension Scheme - company currently pays enhanced contribution of 4% pensionable salary.

General Work Agile working and work from home flexibility
Arrangements: TOIL

Flexible arrangements and generous above-statutory time off and pay when you have or adopt a child
Flexible arrangements and support for your disabled child or support with your own disability and/or impairment
Use of company vehicle or mile