Senior Ecologist

Exciting Opportunity to Join the Johns Associates Team!

Due to our rapidly increasing workload, which includes a range of conservation-led as well as development-led projects, we are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and suitably experienced Senior Ecologist to join our friendly and experienced team. This is a permanent position, with flexible working available (three days in the office/on site and two working from home). The successful candidate would work closely with our three Principal Ecologists, and would have the opportunity for mentoring by our Botanical/ BNG Lead, who is certified FISC Level 5, the Wiltshire BSBI Vice-County Recorder for Vascular Plants and who has recently been appointed as the national BSBI referee for Oenanthe (water dropworts) and Montia fontana subspecies (Blinks) - if development of their botanical/ habitat skills is of particular interest.

 

What you will be doing

You’ll be managing and delivering ecology projects and the ecology requirement of multidisciplinary projects, coordinating field surveys and deliverables for a range of client projects.

• Undertake field surveys across a range of sites (including UK Habitat Classification surveys and Condition Assessments, protected species surveys and ECoW if necessary).
• Undertake BNG Assessments using the statutory metric, producing Biodiversity Gain Plans and HMMPs.
• Produce high quality, robust written documents, including Technical Notes, PEAs, EcIAs, HRA screening reports and ES Ecology Chapters for a range of development proposals (with support as necessary).
• Develop mitigation strategies and advising clients on BNG opportunities/ requirements.
• Act as the day-to-day client contact.
• Write quotes and help with tender proposals for relevant projects/ frameworks across a range of sectors.
• Mentor junior staff members in areas of expertise, both within the ecology team and across the company.
   

Qualifications/skills required

• A relevant degree(s) and appropriate membership of CIEEM.
• At least 5 years relevant consultancy experience, with proven experience at the appropriate level in the following key areas:

• Management of commercial projects to time and budget
• Identifying and implementing solutions to issues as they arise
• Production of robust PEAs, and Ecological Impact Assessment reports (to CIEEM standards)
• Botanical identification/ survey skills desirable (preferably FISC Level 4)
• Experience in Biodiversity Net Gain

• A thorough understanding of the UK planning system and relevant UK and European legislation and planning policy, and standard protected species survey methodologies.
• Experience of managing projects, site supervision and liaising with junior staff, clients, wider project teams, subcontractors, and seasonal survey assistants.
• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle insured for business use.
• NE survey licence(s) an advantage.
   

Benefits

• Competitive salary (£35K - £40K, DOE)
• Discretionary annual profit-share bonus
• A balanced approach to the busy survey season, ensuring all staff have the opportunity to take Recovery Time
• Employee Health Cashback scheme and Bupa Private Health Care
• 36 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Up to 5 days external CPD allowance per year, plus internal training/mentoring and work-shadowing opportunities
• Payment of annual CIEEM membership and support to achieve membership upgrades/ Chartered status
• Payment of renewal fees for NE survey licences and vaccinations required for work (e.g. tetanus and rabies if bat licenced)
   

  How to Apply: 

  If this sounds like the perfect role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please send us your CV and a covering letter or email to jrolls@johnsassociates.co.uk