At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and provide expert advice on environmental assessments.
- Company: Join Avian Ecology, part of Origin Enterprises, dedicated to sustainable land use.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, professional memberships, and 25 days' holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ecology while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and significant consultancy experience at Principal level or above.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Avian Ecology Ltd is an Origin Enterprises business, forming part of the Environmental division. At Origin Enterprises, we are dedicated to championing sustainable land use, and our Environmental teams support a diverse range of clients and projects—from land management and development to restoration and conservation. Joining us means becoming part of a collaborative, purpose driven community where this collective expertise enables us to deliver high quality, fully integrated solutions and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes across the UK and Ireland.
About Avian Ecology: Avian Ecology is a growing ecological consultancy delivering complex infrastructure and land-use projects across the UK, with a strong and expanding portfolio in the renewables sector including onshore wind and solar projects. As our workload continues to increase in technical complexity and scale, particularly across EIA developments and NSIP/DCO/S36 applications, we are investing in strengthening our internal technical leadership capability.
The role will include:
- Acting as technical lead for complex ecological inputs to EIA and NSIP/DCO/S36 projects
- Technical Document Authoring and Input, including but not limited to Bespoke Technical Documents and Notes, Inquiry and Hearing Proofs and Supporting Documentation and HRA
- Oversee and contribute to ES / EIA-R Chapters and EcIA, as required
- Supporting project teams in survey design, impact assessment and mitigation
- Tendering of complex projects
- Providing oversight of protected species licensing and mitigation strategies
- Supporting ecological inputs to Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
- Advising on interpretation of policy, guidance and emerging best practice
- Leading responses to technical consultation and examination questions
- Supporting planning appeals and examination processes where required
- Mentoring and supporting the technical development of internal staff
- Supporting internal technical standards and consistency of approach
- Contributing to continuous improvement of survey and assessment methodologies
Key Requirements:
- Degree qualified in relevant field
- Full CIEEM Membership (desirable)
- Significant consultancy experience at Principal level or above
- Experience of EcIA, ES and HRA authorship or technical review
- Experience of working as part of a wider EIA team
- Strong working knowledge of UK ecological policy and legislation
- Experience of mitigation design and protected species licensing
- Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain
- Experience of Planning Appeals or DCO Examination (desirable)
Why work for us? We offer a competitive and supportive rewards package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. This includes Life Assurance, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and paid professional memberships such as CIEEM. We’re committed to continuous development, offering a blend of internal and external training opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career. As part of our inclusive culture, you’ll have the opportunity to join our monthly Neurodiversity Café, take part in community action days, and benefit from our family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave options. While we value time spent together in our offices to collaborate and stay connected, most roles offer hybrid working and open conversations around flexibility. You’ll also enjoy 25 days’ holiday, regular performance and development reviews, and the chance to collaborate across the wider Origin Group, especially within our growing family of Environmental businesses. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.
Visit our website to learn more — and grow with us.
Locations
Head of Ecology in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Avian Ecology Ltd
Avian Ecology Ltd, part of the Origin Enterprises family, is an exceptional employer dedicated to sustainable land use and environmental excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a competitive rewards package, including life assurance, professional memberships, and extensive training opportunities. Our inclusive culture promotes collaboration and flexibility, allowing you to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful ecological projects across the UK and Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Ecology in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the ecology field! Attend industry events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your knowledge on ecological practices, recent projects, or even your thoughts on biodiversity net gain. This will not only showcase your expertise but also demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to fit their values and goals. Research Avian Ecology and Origin Enterprises, and highlight how your skills align with their mission of sustainable land use and environmental outcomes.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to meaningful environmental projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Ecology in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Ecology role. Highlight your consultancy experience, technical leadership, and any relevant projects you've worked on in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about ecology and how your background aligns with our mission at Avian Ecology. Don’t forget to mention your experience with EIA and NSIP projects!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Since this role requires strong technical knowledge, be sure to include examples of your work with EcIA, ES, and HRA documents. This will demonstrate your capability as a technical authority within the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about our culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avian Ecology Ltd
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK ecological policy and legislation. Be prepared to discuss your experience with EcIA, ES, and HRA authorship or technical review, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Ecology, you'll be expected to lead and mentor a team. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully guided others or contributed to team success. Highlighting your leadership style and how you support the technical development of staff will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face questions related to complex ecological inputs for EIA and NSIP/DCO/S36 projects. Brush up on your technical document authoring skills and be ready to discuss how you would approach tendering complex projects or responding to technical consultation questions.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Sustainability
Avian Ecology is all about championing sustainable land use. Be prepared to discuss your passion for environmental outcomes and how your work contributes to biodiversity net gain. Sharing your vision for sustainable practices in ecology will align perfectly with their mission.
