Senior Ecologist

Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong now forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. The Ecology team is highly successful and as part of our ongoing plans we wish to recruit an experienced Senior/Principal Ecologist to join our dynamic team in Cardiff or Bristol. The ideal candidate will have between 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience in an ecologically focused role, preferably in ecological consultancy.

You will be joining a supportive team based in Cardiff or Bristol, with the option of hybrid/flexible working. The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Licensed members of our team can deal with great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice and reptiles. We’re proud of our strong working relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The ecology team works alongside several other environmental professionals within the Firm, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects and engineers.

The role:

• Project work will be varied, with a strong focus on renewable energy, infrastructure and residential schemes as well as other commercial development projects.
• Project work will be within Wales and the South West and occasionally further afield within the UK.
• Managing ecological projects (commensurate with experience), assisting team leads with managing resource allocation and financial budgets, addressing any client feedback and ensuring effective communications on all projects.
• Producing and overseeing the production of ecological appraisals, reports, licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, EPS licences and other similar documents.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• Carrying out ecological surveys, where necessary, and checking that surveys are being carried out to the required standards by all staff.
• Assisting the team leads with the preparation of fee proposals.

About you:

• A good level of both academic and professional qualifications in ecology or a related discipline.
• Experience of managing ecological projects to completion and reporting to the standards required by planning authorities, Natural Resources Wales and other similar bodies.
• Experience of making licence applications and holds at least 1 Protected Species licence. A bat licence would be advantageous.
• Experience of preparing a wide range of technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, ES Chapters, Habitat Regulations Assessments and other technical reports.
• Experience of applying for Natural Resources Wales/Natural England mitigation licences.
• Good knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance.
• Qualifying Member status, or higher, of CIEEM.
• A full UK driving licence essential and access to own car is essential.