ECoW Ecologist

Brindle & Green Ltd; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working environment

Ongoing training and CPD opportunities

Length of service reward package

Company bank holidays

Job summary

A leading ecological consultancy in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced Ecological Clerk of Works. This role involves providing ecological supervision on major projects, ensuring compliance with wildlife legislation, and monitoring ecological practices. The ideal candidate should have at least 1 year of experience in an ecological consultancy, strong decision-making skills on site, and a driving licence. The company offers a supportive working environment and ongoing training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Ecological Clerk of Works or similar consultancy role.
• At least 1 year professional experience in an ecological consultancy or a similar field.
• Membership of CIEEM – or be working towards this.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day ecological supervision and monitoring on large-scale sites.
• Deliver toolbox talks and ecological briefings for contractors.
• Ensure compliance with protected species licences.
• Implement and monitor ecological exclusion zones and habitat protection measures.
• Prepare concise site visit reports and compliance audits.

Skills

Practical field skills

Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation

Decision-making on site

Experience in ecological consultancy

GIS proficiency

Driving licence

Job description

Overview

Salary: £25,000 to £32,000 depending on experience.

Contract Type: Fixed Term – 6 months with potential for extension. Office/Site based, flexible working from home available where appropriate.

About the Role

We are seeking experienced Ecological Clerk of Works Ecologists to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity for an ecologist with existing EcOW experience to assist in the delivery of a large multi-year scheme we are currently delivering. You will work within a closely knit ecological team which will include colleagues from both our Milton Keynes and Derby offices.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day ecological supervision and monitoring on large-scale construction and development sites.
• Deliver toolbox talks, ecological briefings and inductions for contractors.
• Ensure compliance with protected species licences.
• Act as an accredited agent on relevant protected species licences, depending on experience.
• Undertake GCN and Reptile translocation through a variety of methods including pitfall trapping and torchlight survey.
• Implement and monitor ecological exclusion zones and habitat protection measures.
• Act as first point of contact for unexpected protected-species encounters and provide proportionate onsite solutions.
• Prepare concise site visit reports, compliance audits and photographic records.
• Liaise proactively with clients, contractors, statutory agencies and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Ecological Clerk of Works or similar consultancy role.
• Strong practical field skills and knowledge of UK wildlife legislation.
• Ability to work independently on site and make decisions.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel regionally.
• Protected species licences or experience supporting licensed works.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery.
• At least 1 year professional experience in an ecological consultancy or a similar field.
• Hold a valid CSCS card
• At least 1 year experience of ECoW.
• Membership of CIEEM – or be working towards this.
• Strong knowledge of UK ecology, legislation, and planning policy.
• Full UK (manual preferred) driving licence and willingness to travel for fieldwork as required – with access to a fleet of brand-new company cars provided.
• Proficiency in GIS or CAD.
• Great Crested Newt Level 1 Licence preferred but not essential.

What We Offer

• A supportive and flexible working environment, including TOIL, extended holiday and company bank holidays.
• Ongoing training and CPD opportunities with a strong existing management structure to support career development.
• A chance to contribute meaningfully to diverse, high-profile projects.
• If your contract was to be extended, you would benefit after 3 years from our length of service reward package including private healthcare, additional leave and personalised gifts.
• A welcoming office in a stunning rural location on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, adjacent to a nature reserve and historic parkland.

We’re delighted to celebrate a fantastic achievement within our contracting team, as Danny and Matt have successfully completed their SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) qualification.

We are delighted to announce Joe Gilmour’s promotion to Director at Brindle & Green. Joe joined Brindle & Green in the spring of 2018 – in his early days he threw himself into anything the company needed but spent his first season on ecology survey work and helping with logistics.

We’re delighted to welcome Megan Derrick into a full-time role as Graduate Ecologist after an outstanding season with us.