Principal/Lead Ecologist

Your new company

A construction focussed consultancy across the UK and Europe with over 60 years of trading history. My client's Environmental Services Team at is experiencing significant growth and development, and they are seeking a skilled Ecological professional with proven experience and supervision abilities to join the team. You will be instrumental in delivering a diverse range of exciting projects across multiple sectors.

Your new role

As the Principal Ecologist, you will oversee all ecological aspects of project planning, execution, and delivery, with the prospect of expanding the team. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including designers, engineers, clients, and stakeholders, to ensure that project goals are achieved on time, within budget, and in compliance with ecological standards.

This role requires travel throughout the UK and possibly to other European countries, and a hybrid approach of field, home, and office working.

This position, within the Environmental Services discipline, provides a great opportunity to lead the creation, expansion, and advancement of the Ecological sub-discipline, establishing this expertise as a crucial asset for clients and the broader business.Taking a multidisciplinary approach to project delivery, you will interface with related disciplines (e.g. environmental management, flood risk, geo-environmental, and sustainability) and others across the business, as they develop the right coordinated solution for clients and the environment.
You'll be:

• Technically steering ecological assessments from project inception through to project completion.
• Collaborating with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to gather input, ensure project accuracy, and allocate resources effectively to ensure optimal utilisation of personnel.
• Ensuring the project is resourced appropriately to deliver the programme.
• Identifying potential risks and uncertainties and assist in developing mitigation strategies, schedules, and contingency plans.

What you'll need to succeed

• A degree in ecology, along with a higher degree in a related field, is of interest.
• Membership with CIEEM.
• Chartered Ecologist (or demonstrably approaching Chartered Ecologist).
• International ESIA experience would be advantageous but not essential.
• Willing and able to obtain security clearance due to the nature of the sectors operated in, and client requirements/
• Experience in Biodiversity net-gain
• Experience in managing complex projects - including commercial, resourcing & scheduling and managing sub-contracts & sub-contractors.
• Significant experience in delivering Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) and Ecology Chapters for Environmental Statements.
• Proven experience in business development (work winning, bid writing) and client relationship management with the ability to generate ongoing workstreams with existing clients.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary: Circa £55,000
• Company car or cash allowance
• Up to 6% matched contributory pension plan
• Life assurance scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus ability to buy additional leave
• Discount scheme (including gym membership, mobile phones etc)
• Flexible/hybrid working
• Family-friendly policies
• Employee assistance
• Professional development

What you need to do now
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