At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological assessments and manage projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a well-established Chartered Town Planning practice in the beautiful Cotswolds.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days' leave, private healthcare, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing an in-house ecology service with autonomy.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or related field; experience with ecological surveys required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Bennett and Game are pleased to be representing a well-established Chartered Town Planning practice seeking a Senior Ecologist / Ecology Lead to join their growing team in the Cotswolds. The practice provides a multidisciplinary service across planning, architectural design and development consultancy, supporting a varied client base with residential, commercial and rural planning applications. Due to a consistent demand for ecological services, the company is now looking to establish an in-house ecology capability.
The successful candidate will become the practice's lead ecological professional, completing work associated with the company's own planning applications while also delivering consultancy services directly to external clients. This represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced Ecologist who is confident working independently and would like the autonomy to develop an ecology service within a supportive, close-knit consultancy.
As the first dedicated Ecologist within the business, the successful candidate will work closely with planners, designers, clients and external stakeholders to provide practical ecological advice from the earliest stages of a project. The role would particularly suit an experienced Senior Ecologist who enjoys taking ownership of projects and wants to work within a smaller business where their contribution will have a visible impact. Unlike larger consultancies, the successful individual will have direct access to decision-makers, greater control over their workload and the opportunity to influence how the ecology function develops.
The office is situated at the foot of Cleeve Hill within the Cotswolds National Landscape, providing an attractive working environment for an ecological professional. Hybrid working of up to two days per week can also be offered to an individual who demonstrates the right attitude and ability to manage their workload independently.
Job Responsibilities:- Deliver ecological assessments and surveys associated with planning applications
- Complete protected species surveys including bat surveys
- Manage ecology projects from initial instruction through to completion
- Liaise directly with clients, planning authorities and relevant stakeholders
- Undertake ecological work for both internal planning projects and external consultancy clients
- Manage survey programmes and ensure work is completed within seasonal constraints
- Assist with developing the company's ecology service and improving internal processes
- Maintain awareness of changes to ecological legislation, planning policy and industry guidance
- Work collaboratively with the wider planning and design team
- Manage a varied workload of predominantly smaller-scale ecology commissions
- Ability to independently undertake ecological surveys and prepare reports
- Experience undertaking bat surveys and protected species work
- Good understanding of ecology in relation to planning applications
- Knowledge of relevant UK wildlife legislation and planning policy
- Strong written communication and technical report-writing skills
- Ability to manage projects and communicate directly with clients
- Relevant degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or a related discipline
- Protected species survey licences would be highly advantageous
- Experience with Biodiversity Net Gain assessments would be beneficial
- Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle are essential
- ~ 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- ~ Additional day off for your birthday
- ~ Office closure over the Christmas period, provided in addition to the standard holiday allowance
- ~ Private healthcare
- ~ Company pension scheme
- ~ Hybrid working available for up to two days per week
- ~ Company laptop
- ~ Company mobile phone or contribution towards the cost of a personal mobile SIM
- ~ Mileage expenses for business travel
- ~ Attractive office location within the Cotswolds National Landscape
- ~ Opportunity to establish and develop an in-house ecology service
- ~ High level of autonomy and ownership over ecological projects
- ~ Supportive and close-knit multidisciplinary working environment
- ~ Immediate opportunity available due to the current ecology survey season
Senior Ecology/Ecologist in Gloucester employer: Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD
Bennett and Game offers an exceptional working environment for a Senior Ecologist, situated in the picturesque Cotswolds National Landscape. With a strong emphasis on employee autonomy and a supportive, close-knit culture, this role provides the unique opportunity to establish and develop an in-house ecology service while enjoying benefits such as hybrid working, generous annual leave, and private healthcare. The company values individual contributions, allowing you to make a significant impact within a smaller, multidisciplinary team.
Contact Details:
Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD Recruitment Team
