Principal Ecology & Biodiversity Consultant

Arthian Ltd.; Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is recruiting a Principal Ecology & Biodiversity Consultant to support their Ecology and Biodiversity Team in England. The role includes contributing to project delivery and team management within a diverse portfolio of projects. Candidates should hold a BSc/MSc in Ecology and possess essential skills in ecological assessment. A flexible working location is available, ideally within a 2-hour commute to Wolverhampton.

Benefits

Subscription to a relevant professional body

Tailored training

33 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous employee referral scheme

Volunteering Day

Flexible parental leave options

Cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills in both verbal and written form.
• In-depth knowledge and experience of ecological field surveys.
• Understanding of protected species mitigation including licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the growth of the Ecology Team in England.
• Contribute to project delivery and team management.
• Work closely with the Ecology Director on various projects.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Understanding of the planning process and ecological assessments

Field surveys for habitats, amphibians, bats, etc.

Application of Biodiversity Net Gain

Protected species mitigation knowledge

Experience of financial management

Impact assessment on protected sites

Environmental Impact Assessment process familiarity

Education

BSc and/or MSc in Ecology or related discipline

Job description

Arthian is recruiting for a Principal Ecology & Biodiversity Consultant to support

the growth and development of their Ecology and Biodiversity Team in England.

Whilst the role can be shaped around the right candidate in some respects, we are

keen to hear from ecologists currently operating at upper senior or principal

consultant-level who are confident in project delivery and can contribute to team

management in aspects such as technical review, mentoring and/or financial

management.

What the Role Entails

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to take on a wide range of projects across all sectors, as well working closely with the Ecology Director to support the continuing development of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team. Our current project portfolio ranges from small, local single-plot developments, through Environmental Impact Assessment, and supporting large clients with their own biodiversity incentives, which has included designing bespoke biodiversity metrics and developing a framework of exciting biodiversity initiatives for a client’s full estate.

Arthian’s ‘hub’ of ecologists in England is in the West Midlands, but as we carry out work across the UK we are able to be flexible on location. Being based within 2hrs commute of Wolverhampton would be ideal.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a BSc and/or MSc in Ecology or related discipline and a Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

The following skills are considered essential to the role:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A broad understanding of the planning process and the part ecological assessment plays within it
• In-depth knowledge and experience of field surveys for most of the following; habitats, amphibians, bats, water vole, otter, reptiles, invasive plants and birds
• Knowledge and experience of the application of Biodiversity Net Gain
• An understanding of, and ability to talk clients and colleagues through protected species mitigation, including the requirements for licensing and non-licensed approaches
• Some experience of financial management either at a project or team level (further company-specific training will be provided in this respect)
• Experience in dealing with potential impacts on protected sites, including assent / consent and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), (screening and Appropriate Assessment)
• Familiarity and experience of the process of Environmental Impact Assessment and contribution to EIA chapters

The following skills would be advantageous, but are not an essential requirement for the role:

• A protected species licence holder (great crested newt, bats, badger and/or water vole)
• Experience of line management
• Experience of stakeholder consultation, such as with Natural England, the Environment Agency and local planning authorities
• A willingness to be inventive and creative in developing ecological solutions to novel problems

The salary range for this role would be commensurate with experience. In addition, Arthian offers numerous benefits including:

• Subscription to a relevant professional body (generally expected to be CIEEM)
• External and internal training tailored around the individual
• 33 days annual leave (leave and public holiday combined) and the option to buy and sell holidays
• An Employee Assistance Programme
• A generous employee referral scheme
• Volunteering Day for a worthy cause
• Fully flexible parental leave options
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle schemes

Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.