Principal Ecologist

Binnies are recruiting for an experienced Ecologist to help guide and expand our team of ecologists. You will get the opportunity to work on an interesting and varied portfolio of work including flood, coastal and maritime projects for our clients such as the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and local authorities and a range of other sectors such as ports, water utilities, transport and renewable power. There is also opportunity to support our growing portfolio of water and catchment work including natural capital projects and Solutions By Nature; our joint venture providing nature-based solutions via blue-green infrastructure to the water industry.

We are a close team and have an active Ecology Community of Practice and pride ourselves on being at the forefront of ecological best practice and innovation. Our ecologists are empowered to work closely with our multi-disciplinary teams and shape projects to deliver more sustainable solutions and maximise Biodiversity Net Gain. Binnies is a registered Ecological (CIEEM) and Landscape Practice (Landscape Institute) and hold the IEMA EIA Quality Mark, which is a benchmark of our high standards in EIA delivery.

**About the Role**
- Mentoring and guiding more junior ecologists;
- Helping to drive the ecological capability and innovation of our national team;
- Providing technical leadership on a wide range of projects including fluvial and coastal flood risk management, water utility, rail, renewable/ energy projects and other large-scale infrastructure;
- Managing all stages of Ecological Impact Assessments from feasibility to delivery and monitoring;
- Providing ecological input into planning, HRA and other consents;
- Design of habitat restoration/creation schemes and delivering Biodiversity Net Gain;
- Supporting business development and tenders;
- Providing a key interface with project teams, clients, stakeholders and the public as required.

We are happy to adapt the role to your preferences - e.g. more field based, office based or a mix.

**Qualifications/Requirements**

The role is suitable for an experienced Ecology professional with full membership of CIEEM. You should possess and be able to demonstrate the following qualifications, skills and knowledge:

- have an ecological/environmental related degree;
- be or working towards Chartered Ecologist or Environmentalist;
- hold a number of protected species licences or another ecological specialism;
- have excellent written and oral communication;
- enjoy innovation and embracing advances in technology and ecology;
- hold a full UK driving licence;
- previous consultancy experience is desirable.

**Why Join Us**

Would you like to work in a business where you feel empowered to grow? Where there is no place for criticism or discrimination? A place where people are mindful and respectful? If so, then Binnies is the place for you.

We have a strong ‘ENGAGED’ culture that runs through everything we do. Evolved over 100 years, we have a culture of caring, where our employee’s wellbeing and work-life balance are priorities, in fact we have industry leading flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive working environment, where a diverse workforce is supported to grow and develop.

**Benefits**
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working
- Flexible benefits e.g. buy annual leave, varying pension contributions, options for private healthcare
- Two professional memberships paid as part of our benefits package