Lead Ecologist

2 months ago

Cambridgeshire UK, Eastern England, United Kingdom Milestone Infrastructure Full time

Lead Ecologist

28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday purchase scheme

Company car or car allowance

Generous pension scheme & life assurance

Employee discount platform

Ongoing career development & training including recognised industry qualifications

A lead ecologist role for a highways contractor? Sounds boring, not challenging or no variety? You couldn’t be more wrong.

Milestone have an expanding team of environmental specialists, and we have a unique role for somebody to head up our ecology function and get more ecologists to join the team – you will be developing the team how you see fit, and we are committed to giving you the support to do that.

You will also get stuck into both the fieldwork and the report writing - anything from bat surveys on old bridges to Great Crested Newt licensed mitigation, water vole displacements or just some good old nesting bird checks – we do it all, so come and join us And if you're still not convinced, why not apply and come have a chat with our existing Lead Ecologist before she retires following several exciting years with the business?

This role sits within the Environmental Technical Team, which acts as an in-house consultancy through delivery of specialist environmental and sustainability services both internally and externally. You will work closely with design & construction teams to deliver a full range of ecological services such as habitat and species surveys, ECoW support, impact assessment, licencing & mitigation, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments. Biodiversity Net Gain is a massive growth area for our business. We work closely with our clients to deliver BNG and have started successfully implementing that. We see our lead ecologist really driving that strategy forward.


Key Responsibilities:


  • Co-ordinating and delivering a range of office and site-based ecological services, including habitat/species surveys, ECoW support, impact assessment, licencing & mitigation, and BNG assessments.
  • Producing accurate reports in a range of formats with an appropriate level of technical content for the intended audience and application.
  • Providing specialist ecological advice and training to contract/project teams and clients to assist them in effectively managing ecological risks and opportunities.
  • Reviewing and approving a range of reports and other project deliverables to provide quality assurance.
  • Compiling and implementing licence applications and other ecological consents, including mitigation and monitoring strategies.
  • Liaising with statutory authorities and establishing positive, trusted relationships.
  • Engaging and co-ordinating support from external consultants as required.
  • Managing other ecologists, providing appropriate direction to support their development and high performance.
  • Formulating fee proposals covering environmental support as well as managing time allocation of self and others in accordance with agreed Task Orders and utilisation targets.
  • Supporting the growth and performance of the Environmental Technical Team through delivery and business development, whilst overseeing and leading the strategic direction of the ecology function and undertaking recruitment to meet resource needs.
  • Planning and programming workload for yourself and others to ensure delivery of services within agreed timescales to high standards.


Success Measures:


  • Delivery of strategic objectives and contractual requirements related to ecology/biodiversity.
  • Positively influencing contract/project development through effective management of ecological risks and opportunities on contracts/projects, as evidenced by tangible benefits and positive client feedback.
  • Managing workloads and time allocation to meet utilisation targets, grow the ecology function, and maximise revenue generation.
  • Securing industry-leading awards in relation to ecology/biodiversity initiatives.
  • Development and performance of team members.


Skills & Knowledge Required:


  • Degree level qualification in an environmental or related subject (desirable).
  • At least 3 years’ experience in construction / infrastructure sectors or related industries (desirable).
  • Proficient in field surveys including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition assessment, and protected species surveys.
  • Sound knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy, and guidance.
  • Proven track record of co-ordinating and delivering a range of office and site-based ecological services to achieve positive project outcomes.
  • Holder of survey and/or mitigation/conservation licences for protected species (desirable).
  • Attention to detail and the ability to manage projects, resources, programmes, and budgets effectively.
  • Personable with excellent written and verbal communication skills and the capability to engage a range of stakeholders on ecology/biodiversity matters.
  • Practical and pragmatic approach in delivering ecological solutions.
  • Ambition and capability to encourage innovation and digital services throughout the business
  • Willingness to travel across the UK and stay away from home for short periods when required.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and expectations of contract/project management teams.
  • Experience of training, mentoring, developing, and/or managing direct reports/other colleagues (desirable).


Milestone Infrastructure is a part of the Transport Division within MGroup Services. We currently deliver highways and street lighting maintenance contracts and a variety of large, complex, civil engineering projects across southern and central England.

This excellent opportunity is the chance to be working for an organisation leading the way in reducing carbon emissions, driving a circular economy approach, and increasing biodiversity. Milestone have numerous industry accolades, including the Environmental Sustainability and Special Merit Award at The Highways Awards. Constantly evolving and meeting the ambitions of its clients across the UK. Milestone are also leading on the world’s first carbon negative highways infrastructure project.

As a business, people are at the heart of everything we do, whether they are our people, our clients, or the communities they serve. We are committed to behaving with integrity and in a sustainable manner, being mindful to the needs of our communities and the environment. Our people are our greatest strength and ensuring their health, safety and wellbeing is our top priority. We invest in our workforce, engaging and empowering them, helping them to grow and develop with opportunities to train and learn.

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