Consultant Ecologist

isepglobal; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected ecological consultancy in Oxford seeks an experienced ecologist to join their team. The role involves leading terrestrial ecology site work, preparing reports, and managing small-scale projects across diverse sectors including housing and renewable energy. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree, familiarity with UK flora and fauna, and project management experience. A competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Flexible working options

33 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Pension Scheme

Paid Membership with a professional body

Qualifications

• Experience conducting Phase 1 Habitat and/or UK Habitat Classification surveys.
• Experience writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and/or protected species survey reports.
• Ability to travel across the UK with overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Lead terrestrial ecology survey work and site visits.
• Complete desk-based studies and write ecological reports.
• Manage small-scale ecology projects.

Skills

Natural history knowledge

UK flora and fauna familiarity

Project management skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Relevant degree and/or postgraduate qualification

Qualifying/Associate Membership of CIEEM

Tools

QGIS

Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Job description

Your new company

My client is a respected ecological consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services across the UK to a well-established base of high-profile public and private sector clients. They work on diverse projects in housing, retail, infrastructure, and renewable energy, integrating ecological habitats and wildlife benefits into development. The team is professional, friendly, and passionate about innovation and sustainability with strong core values promoting teamwork, diversity, quality, integrity and fairness, to name a few.

Your new role

Due to the ongoing success and expansion of the business, there is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecologist to progress their career in ecological consultancy, by joining an industry-leading team of specialists and working on an exciting range of challenging and interesting projects. The purpose of the role is to undertake terrestrial ecology site work and support in the preparation and writing of reports via data processing, analysis, and interpretation, as well as project management and liaison with clients.

You will be working within an experienced team of terrestrial ecologists who deliver a wide variety of projects across the UK across a range of sectors including housing, retail, employment and renewable energy, amongst others. You will also have the opportunity to work with cross-cutting expertise, not only in the terrestrial sector, but across other allied sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• To undertake and lead terrestrial ecology survey work and site visits, including Phase 1 / UK Habitat surveys and various protected species surveys (e.g. bats, badgers, dormice, GCN, reptiles, otters, water voles, and nesting birds).
• To complete desk-based studies and write high-quality ecological reports within tight deadlines.
• To independently manage small-scale ecology projects and meet client demands.
• To assist with and compile tenders for new ecology project opportunities.
• To analyse survey data and produce reporting outputs including ecological maps using QGIS.
• To carry out any additional activities that may be reasonably required or requested.
• To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others; make use of the tools, equipment, training and resources; and actively engage with colleagues at all levels to contribute to the continuous improvement of health and safety management and complete mandatory health and safety training modules and any that are specific to your role.

What you\'ll need to succeed

• A relevant degree and/or postgraduate qualification, with a strong academic record.
• Have a Qualifying/Associate Membership of CIEEM (or be eligible to obtain).
• A sound background in natural history and familiarity with UK flora and fauna.
• Experience conducting Phase 1 Habitat and / or UK Habitat Classification surveys.
• Experience of writing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and / or protected species survey reports.
• Experience of protected species surveys (e.g. bats, birds, dormice, GCN, otter, water vole, etc.).
• Sound knowledge and practical application of UK environmental and wildlife legislation.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, with effective teamwork and excellent organization and communication skills.
• Ability to travel across the UK, with some requirement for over-night stays.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience or training in National Vegetation Classification (NVC).
• A protected species survey licence.
• Experience of managing small-scale projects and / or sections of larger scale projects.
• Experience of delivering client facing tasks such as Ecological Clerk of Works.
• Experience preparing development licence applications for protected species mitigation.
• Ability to use relevant software to complete bat survey data analysis.
• Experience using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), e.g. QGIS

What you\'ll get in return

• Competitive Salary: £29,000 - £35,000 (DoE)
• Flexible working options available
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), with the option to buy and sell for 5 days and the ability to swap bank holidays for other significant recognised events.
• Private medical insurance, access to mental health first-aiders
• Comprehensive income protection; death in service, critical illness cover
• Pension Scheme - Employer and employee contributions that increase over time
• Work on diverse and meaningful projects, including those of personal interest
• Continuous professional development and learning support
• 1 free volunteer day p/year
• Paid Membership with a professional body
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company profit share scheme

What you need to do now

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