Principal Ecologist

ENABLE Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure contractor in Greater London is seeking a Principal Ecologist to develop and manage the ecology team. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience as an ecologist and possess necessary qualifications such as a degree in ecology and CIEEM membership. The role involves conducting ecology surveys, mentoring team members, and ensuring compliance with UK & EU ecological legislation. This position also offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Your birthday off

Salary sacrifice pension

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Principal Ecologist.
• Experience in habitat and protected species surveys.
• Strong capability in habitat classification using UK Hab methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop & manage the ecology team and provide mentorship.
• Conduct rail ecology surveys and inspections.
• Analyse data and draft mitigating documentation.

Skills

Ecological guidance

Team leadership

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Natural England Level 2 bat licence

Dormouse licence

Job description

Are you ready to work in an inclusive, award winning, progressive and dynamic environment?

Do you have experience as an Ecologist?

Do you have an In-depth knowledge of UK & EU ecology legislation, policy and regulatory framework?

Do you possess Associate or Full Membership of CIEEM?

What are you waiting for? Apply today!
Enable Infrastructure are an Award-Winning SME contractor Specialising in the infrastructure construction sector. We are a vibrant, forward looking mid-sized business operating in several infrastructure construction market sectors such as rail, power, energy connections, renewables, utilities and water. We are a business with strong values and a vision to provide clients with a tailored approach to delivering social value through successful infrastructure projects.

We are looking for someone who is resourceful, with a resilient mindset,excellent time and work load management skills with experience as a Principal Ecologist in the Rail infrastructure sectors. This is a very fast paced environment where success is celebrated but hard is work is required to achieve this.

The purpose of the role is to Develop & Manage the Enable Ecology Team, provide Mentorship and Professional Development alongside specialist support for our projects delivery team. Report on Production and Quality Assurance, Biodiversity Net Gain, enable stakeholder engagement and Compliance with strategic development input also.

As the Ecology & Land management specialist you will provide expert Ecological guidance to support Works Delivery and Land Management teams, ensuring environmental excellence and compliance across the Kent and Sussex regions.

Play a pivotal role in integrating the environment management system into operational workflows, enabling teams to meet legislative requirements effectively while fostering sustainable practices.

• Undertake and complete a range of rail Ecology surveys and inspections.
• Analyse and interpret data from survey results, draft mitigating documentation and deliver Risk & Control briefings to the project team.
• Collate, write up and review survey results.
• Create Ecology reports for each site.
• Produce vegetation management scoping documents, in line with relevant, suitable for commercial tendering purposes.
• Lead the development of appropriate mitigation strategies to comply with current legislation, utilising results of surveys and liaising with Environmental Specialist’s and the Project team.
• Provide specialist ecological advice and guidance to site managers, engineers, planners and others associated with the undertaking and completion of surveys.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including statutory bodies, local authorities, and members of the public.
• Conduct site surveys and give pre-planning advice.
• Apply knowledge of Ecology for an effective delivery of the project.

You will be working within a friendly, motivated team to provide a focused and efficient service that supports the delivery of the project. The individual would also be required to support ecology requirements on other projects/contracts within the business.

Experience and skills required

• Degree level qualification in Ecology or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Principal Ecologist
• Associate or Full Membership of CIEEM is mandatory
• Holds a Natural England Level 2 bat licence and Dormouse licence
• Experience liaising with statutory bodies and producing tender documentation for ecological services.
• Extensive experience of habitat and protected species surveys
• Extensive experience in producing high quality technical reports such as PEAs, and PWMS.
• In-depth knowledge of UK & EU ecology legislation, policy and regulatory framework.
• Demonstrated experience in leading, managing and mentoring an ecology team across varying levels of experience, supporting their professional growth.
• Skilled in preparing and submitting mitigation licence applications for protected species
• Strong capability in habitat classification using UK Hab methodologies, botanical species identification (FISC Level 4 or above) and proven experience conducting BNG assessment.
• Experience in delivering ecology training to the project delivery teams at varying levels.
• Prior experience working within railway or highways projects is desirable but not essential.
• Full UK Driving licence required.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and regional offices

What’s in it for you

In addition to a passion for a strong work-life balance and flexibility/core hours working, you can expect:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Your birthday off
• Additional leave purchase scheme
• Salary sacrifice pension
• Bonus scheme – up to 20% of salary
• Reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships
• An inclusive and diverse environment, embracing the variety of cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles of our employees
• A focus on safety, health, and wellbeing, prioritising our people through a culture of caring and a network of positive mental health champions
• Opportunities to give back to our communities through our social value program
• Salary sacrifice schemes such as Gym memberships, cycle to work

This is an exciting time to join the business during a time of transition into new markets including energy connections, power, battery storage, drainage and water sector led schemes in addition to our current rail offering. Get in touch to learn more out the business and how we can enhance your career.