Consultant / Senior Ecologist

HCUK Group is recruiting an experienced Consultant / Senior Ecologist to work under our Ecology Manager within a well-established multi-disciplinary environmental practice. This role would require a mix of project management and fieldwork, to service clients that are navigating the planning and development process. The role would suit someone with experience of:

• undertaking fieldwork (e.g. UK Habitat Classification and protected species survey work);
• producing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals/ Ecological Impact Assessment and protected species reports.
• undertaking BNG assessments; and
• managing project delivery in-house and via a team of subcontractors.

We offer a varied and interesting portfolio of projects where there is potential crossover with our heritage work in relation to historic buildings. Furthermore, opportunities arise through our landscape, planning and archaeology teams, working across a range of sectors such as mixed-use, residential and commercial developments and renewables. You will be working within a well-regarded consultancy, with an opportunity to develop your career within a supportive, friendly environment.

We are ideally looking for someone based in the home counties or nearby. The role is fully home working, with the exception of site visits/meetings. Projects can be nationwide, although the majority of our work is in London, the home counties and the southern and midlands regions.

Quarterly company meetings and social events are typically held in London.

The Role:

• Fieldwork: conduct and oversee field surveys, including UK Habitat Classification surveys and protected species surveys.
• To produce and oversee the writing of concise, high quality, technical reports in line with CIEEM guidelines, to include PEA, EcIA, and BNG Assessments.
• Ensure projects delivered through HCUK are compliant with the relevant legislation, planning policies and environmental legislation.
• To grow our framework of ecology subcontractors and continue to build and maintain these relationships to deliver a range of projects.
• Client liaison to provide good quality advice on ecological issues and build and maintain relationships with clients.
• Tendering and building client relationships.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified with a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related experience.
• Membership of CIEEM or equivalent.
• Good level of proficiency in ecological surveying techniques, data analysis, and report writing, with a focus on PEA, bat surveys and BNG Assessments.
• A solid understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning regulations and environmental best practice.
• Attention to detail and committed to delivering a high quality of work.
• A full driver’s licence and access to your own transport.
• Eligibility to work in the UK – the job is UK based.
• At least four years’ experience working in commercial consultancy.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Holding or working towards one or more protected species survey licence (bat, barn owl, dormice, or great crested newt).
• Botanical knowledge (FISC Level 3 and above desirable).
• Track record of focus on protected species through survey, data analysis, licence applications, providing mitigation, and supervision.
• Named as Accredited Agent or Ecologist on EPSM licences.
• qGIS and Coreo capability (although support will be provided).

Who You Are:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to build good relationships with colleagues and foster collaboration.
• A highly organised individual with a proactive approach and ability manage varied workload demands.
• Able to work effectively on your own in a home-based role, with support of a wider team.
• Ability to manage workload and oversee subcontractors to meet tight deadlines.

What’s on offer?

• A great opportunity to join a new evolving area of the business, within a friendly, small supportive team.
• An interesting role within an established, collaborative environmental practice and opportunity to curate and drive the direction of the ecology department.
• Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Home working, with meeting attendance as required.
• Travel expenses paid.
• Private healthcare (post 3 month probation).
• 5% pension contribution (post 3 month probation).

HCUK Group is an equal opportunities employer.