Senior Consultant - Terrestrial Ecologist

We are looking for an experienced Terrestrial Ecologist at Senior Consultant grade to join our team. You will join colleagues in providing technical support on a variety of ecology projects, across a wide range of clients in the water, developer, infrastructure, and public sectors.

The position offers a diverse role, supporting projects and clients across the UK, and occasionally beyond. Experience in Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) would be an advantage, whilst also carrying out projects encompassing both a biodiversity (including Biodiversity Net Gain) and protected species/habitat focus.

Key Responsibilities

• Your role will involve project management and implementation of ecological assessments, plus the coordination of associated surveys, consultation, and mitigation in support of our clients’ proposals and operations.
• You will be involved in managing the technical work of more junior staff and sub-consultants and (depending on experience) managing projects and their direction too. There will also be team leadership opportunities as the team expands.
• The nature of the role and the dynamic of the team provides a wealth of opportunities to explore your interests and carry out a range of tasks and functions within terrestrial ecology, as well as a range of related disciplines.
• There is also a degree of flexibility over which facets of the role you become most invested in: be it a more technical focus; project management; developing bids and tenders; or a more generalist role.

Key Competencies and Experience

• In depth knowledge of UK and EU Wildlife Legislation, planning policies, licensing requirements and best practice survey techniques.
• Capable at leading PEA, EcIA and HRA; WRMP options appraisal understanding and/or experience would be an advantage.
• Experience of working on large infrastructure or development projects.
• Leading, planning, and co-ordinating field surveys, analysing and interpreting survey results and planning and co-ordinating ecological mitigation works.
• Experience of applying for and holding licenses for protected species mitigation/conservation.
• Experience of writing thorough and complex reports and assessments, such as HRA and Environmental Statement chapters.
• Experience in the preparation of ecology proposals and tenders.
• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or equivalent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; be able to produce meticulous and accurate technical reports as well as communicate confidently with a variety of clients and stakeholders.
• Be organised with proven ability to multi-task and handle several projects simultaneously.
• Two or more protected species survey licence (ideally in both England and Wales) (one of which must be bats).
• Experience of leading and motivating a team of both site and office-based staff.
• Building client relationships and generating opportunities.
• Preparing bids and managing project budgets.
• Collaborating with our multi-disciplinary teams within the region; and
• A track-record of successful project management.

Skills and Behaviour

• A self-starter, as you’ll be part of a small and very busy team. Excellent team working skills are therefore essential together with strong communication skills, sound understanding of ecological impact assessment and a close attention to detail.
• This is a fast-paced and challenging environment offering you the opportunity to make your mark. You will have support from the wider business for your career to develop into a wide range of future opportunities within Ricardo Energy & Environment.

Working Here

Working alongside our technical experts, you will contribute to cutting-edge projects that address real-world sustainability issues. By actively participating in these projects, you will be exposed to the latest methodologies and innovations shaping the industry.

As your knowledge and expertise grows through the learning and development opportunities provided, you will be well-positioned for career advancement within Ricardo. We believe in recognising, supporting and nurturing talent.

Work Life Balance

We offer flexible approaches to work, whether that is working from home, being in the office, or as a hybrid worker. We\’re happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. Wellbeing is at the core to our culture, allowing employees to flourish and to achieve their full potential.

We want you to know how much you are valued. Your remuneration and benefits package will reflect that. You will receive a range of benefits which include support for your physical and mental health.

Next Steps

If our application process does not align with your requirements, please email and we will make necessary arrangements to meet your needs.

Once you have submitted your application a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role and in some cases, we may start to review applications prior to the closing date.

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