Principal Ecologist

Job Title: Principal Ecologist

Ref. No.: CJD(phone number removed)G

Location: Brighton

Salary: 40,000 - 47,000

This is an exciting opportunity to join my client, an innovative, highly-respected Ecological and Environmental Planning Consultancy, lending their expertise to a diverse range of projects across the public and private sectors. They are on the lookout for a passionate, highly experienced Principal Ecologist, willing to take on a number of challenging projects alongside a growing team of professionals, based near the vibrant, diverse city of Brighton and Hove.

Benefits for the role of Principal Ecologist include (but are not limited to):

• A competitive starting salary (commensurate with experience)
• A contributory pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement (as well as your Birthday off)
• Time off in Lieu (TOIL) to compensate for non-standard hours worked in the field
• Access to private health care, and employee wellbeing support
• Paid CIEEM Membership
• Access to a number of important, high-profile projects
• Belong to a diverse, innovative, talented team of experts in the field

Responsibilities for the role of Principal Ecologist include:

• Managing relations with a range of clients and stakeholders, across the public and private sectors, regarding all aspects of project delivery
• Project management, ensuring all aspects are delivered within agreed budgets and timescales, to the highest possible standards
• Undertaking field surveys, producing high-quality reports, and providing mentorship and support to other colleagues
• Managing a team of ecologists in the delivery of projects across large-scale residential developments, renewable energies, and historical monument restoration

Required skills and experience for the role of Principal Ecologist include:

• A Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a similar, relevant discipline
• Extensive experience in having worked in a UK-based consultancy setting (or working with a Local Authority, etc.) in an ecology-based role
• Demonstrable experience in conducting Habitat Surveys and Protected Species Surveys
• Keen proficiency in producing high-quality technical reports and assessments, including Preliminary Ecology Appraisals (PEA), Protected Species Survey Reports, Mitigation Plans, etc.
• Experience of drafting Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments
• Hold a minimum of two Protected Species Survey Licences for two species/groups (e.g., bats, badgers, dormice, etc.)
• Outstanding communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and organisational skills
• Experience of managing client and stakeholder relations, including managing their expectations with regard to the project delivery
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to work well under pressure
• Hold a valid UK driving licence, and have access to your own vehicle, with a willingness to travel extensively for work, as required

Desirable skills and experience for the role of Principal Ecologist include:

• A Higher Degree (e.g., MSc, Ph.D., etc.) in a relevant subject
• Experience in obtaining European Protected Species Mitigation Licences
• Competent in using the DEFRA Metric, particularly with reference to BNG Assessments
• Exposure to other environmental disciplines, and experience of working closely with these teams

If you are interested in the role of Principal Ecologist, please do not hesitate to contact the Ecology Team at Penguin Recruitment. Please also see our website for a range of other roles currently available. This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a recruitment agency in respect to this vacancy.