Senior Ecologist - E3 Ecology

York and North Yorkshire Source: WhatJobs

£35-42,000 FTE

Senior Ecologist

Location: Northumberland, Durham, Tyne & Wear, North Yorkshire or Scottish Borders (there may be some flexibility for the right candidate).

Salary:£35-42,000 FTE, depending on experience

Hours: Full time (4-day week may be considered)

Working arrangements: Remote working with site-based survey work in North East England and surrounding areas as required. You will be required to attend a team meeting once a week in either South Northumberland or Durham.

About E3 Ecology

E3 Ecology is a well-established specialist ecological consultancy based in the North East of England. We have built a strong local reputation for delivering high-quality ecological advice efficiently, professionally and with a practical, solutions-focused approach.

We work across a diverse range of projects, including residential development, minerals, infrastructure, renewable energy and habitat creation and enhancement. Our services include habitat and protected species surveys, ecological assessments and planning support, habitat management plans, protected species licensing and training.

We are now looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our team.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys the technical and practical aspects of ecological consultancy but also wants to take ownership of projects, develop client relationships and contribute to the development of a supportive and growing consultancy.

The role

The role will involve a balance of fieldwork, project management, technical work and client liaison. Depending on experience and interests, responsibilities will include:

Leading habitat and protected species surveys and preparing high-quality technical reports.
Managing ecological projects from initial instruction through to completion, ensuring surveys and assessments are undertaken at the appropriate time of year and that reports and other deliverables meet client requirements and deadlines.
Providing practical ecological advice to clients, local authority ecologists and other project consultants.
Preparing protected species licence applications and supporting associated mitigation and licensing work.
Mentoring and supporting junior members of the team, with the potential for formal line-management responsibilities as the role develops.
Undertaking technical review and QA of reports produced by other members of the team.
Contributing to habitat creation, enhancement and management projects where appropriate.
Taking an active role in the continued development of E3 Ecology and our services.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for an experienced ecological consultant who can demonstrate:

Essential

Experience of working in ecological consultancy and leading habitat and protected species surveys.
Experience of preparing a range of ecological reports and planning-related documents.
Strong technical report-writing skills and excellent attention to detail.
Good knowledge of the UK ecological planning and licensing process.
Experience of managing ecological projects and working to client deadlines, with great organisational skills.
Good client liaison and communication skills.

Desirable

Bat and/or great crested newt survey licences, or sufficient relevant experience to work towards obtaining them.
Experience of preparing protected species licence applications.
Experience of mentoring or supervising junior staff.
CIEEM Associate or Full Membership, or a willingness to work towards membership.
Experience of habitat creation, enhancement or management projects.
Experience working across a range of development sectors.

We appreciate that experienced ecologists develop different technical specialisms. You do not need to meet every desirable criterion to be considered, and we would particularly welcome applications from candidates whose broader consultancy experience and ambitions align with the role.

What we offer

At E3 Ecology, we aim to provide a flexible and supportive working environment alongside opportunities to develop technically and professionally.

Our package includes:

£35,000–£42,000 FTE salary, depending on experience and responsibilities.
Discretionary annual bonus plus bonus based on length of employment with the company.
Remote working with flexibility around fieldwork and project requirements.
Flexitime.
Paid overtime and/or TOIL.
A generous leave entitlement of 20 days' annual leave, plus your birthday (or nearest working day), three additional days between Christmas and New Year, and bank holidays.
Additional annual leave based on length of service.
Employee Health Cash Plan.
Pension contributions.
Tailored training opportunities and structured career progression.
Regular workload and project reviews.
A supportive, friendly working environment.
Opportunities to undertake a varied range of ecological survey and consultancy work