Principal Ecologist
- London
- £60,000-70,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- 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.
- 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
- Car or car allowance
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Your birthday off
- Additional leave purchase scheme
- Private Healthcare
- Salary sacrifice pension
- Bonus scheme - up to 20% of salary
- 2 x Volunteering days
- 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