At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological assessments and surveys for planning applications and provide consultancy services.
- Company: A well-established Chartered Town Planning practice in the beautiful Cotswolds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days' leave, private healthcare, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a stunning work environment at Cleeve Hill.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing an in-house ecology service with high autonomy.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecological consultancy and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 45000 £ per year.
Senior Ecologist / Ecology Lead Job Overview
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.
The company currently employs approximately eight members of staff, including an in-house design team.
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.
- Senior Ecologist / Ecology Lead Job Responsibilities
- Deliver ecological assessments and surveys associated with planning applications
- Undertake Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and prepare supporting reports
- Complete protected species surveys including bat surveys
- Support work involving great crested newts and other protected species
- Provide ecological advice to the company's planners, designers and clients
- Identify ecological constraints and provide practical mitigation recommendations
- Prepare clear, accurate and commercially appropriate ecological reports
- 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
- Senior Ecologist / Ecology Lead Job Requirements
- Previous professional experience working within ecological consultancy
- Ability to independently undertake ecological surveys and prepare reports
- Strong experience completing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
- 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
- Membership of CIEEM or another appropriate professional body would be advantageous
- 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
- Comfortable working independently as the company's principal ecological professional
- Senior Ecologist / Ecology Lead Salary & Benefits
- Salary of £38,000 to £45,000, dependent on experience
- 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
- Direct involvement with clients and senior decision-makers
- Supportive and close-knit multidisciplinary working environment
- Immediate opportunity available due to the current ecology survey season
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Ecologist in Cheltenham employer: Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited
Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer located in Epsom, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises high-quality and sustainable design. With flexible hours and a strong focus on career development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while leading diverse projects. The supportive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for motivated professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Ecologist in Cheltenham
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Ecologist in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Senior Ecologist at Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Bennett & Game Recruitment Limited that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
