The approximately 200 ecologists based in the various UK offices of SLR work together and with colleagues in other disciplines as part of "One Team" of talented consultants. In doing so, its core objective is to assist clients and colleagues alike in "Making Sustainability Happen". The Opportunity: To meet increased demand, we are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our dynamic and friendly ecology team based at our office in Bury St Edmunds and work alongside our current Senior Ecologist in managing a range of projects across the East and South East of England. In this exciting role you will:
- Lead and undertake habitat and protected species surveys;
- Take responsibility for managing projects including resource allocation, managing subcontractors, managing health and safety risk and quality assurance;
- Liaise with clients and stakeholders;
- Produce a wide variety of ecological reports including for Biodiversity Net Gain;
- Devise and implement mitigation strategies and habitat management opportunities;
- Help mentor and train junior team members;
- Prepare fee proposals and assist in the development of new business areas., Applicants must be flexible over travel and hours, particularly during the relevant survey periods and be prepared to work late and away from home (e.g. on bat surveys) on occasion as projects require. Due to the nature of the work a full driving licence and access to a car is required.
Career Progression: We offer excellent career prospects in a supportive working environment with no restrictions on how far you can progress. Training is provided internally as well as from external sources where needed. We support our ecologists in gaining the necessary experience and references with regard to protected species survey licences.
- Be qualified to degree level or equivalent in ecology or a related discipline;
- Have a minimum of 3 years' experience in ecology;
- Hold or be working towards protected species survey licences and ideally also have some experience of protected species mitigation licensing;
- Membership of CIEEM or similar institute, ideally at Associate or Full member level;
- Significant experience of extended UKHab habitat survey and a broad knowledge of protected species survey and wildlife legislation;
- Have excellent report writing skills, being comfortable with the writing of Ecological Impact Assessment reports and understanding of CIEEM methodology;
- Have competent GIS skills, experience of of Biodiversity Net Gain assessment and use of typical metric calculators;
- Have experience of managing ecology projects to completion;
- Be self-motivated with strong communication skills and able to work as part of a team.
Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. Starting as a UK business in 1994, SLR now operates as a global company with more than 3,500 people, delivering client-focused solutions across Europe, North America, Pacific Asia and Africa.
Toil + additional pay for unsocial hours (10pm - 6am);
- Hybrid home/office working arrangement;
- Membership of the Firm's Group Personal Pension Plan, with Employer's contribution of up to 5%;
- Payment of a relevant professional subscription (i.e. CIEEM);
- 24 days annual leave per year - option to purchase additional leave;
- Membership to the Firm's Private Health Care Scheme;
- Inclusion in the Firm's Critical Illness Cover Policy;
- Inclusion in the Firm's Life Assurance Policy, insuring you 3 times your annual salary;
- Mobile Phone with inclusive tariff including personal usage;
- Flexi-Time Working Schedule;
- Long service awards;
- Travel Loans.
