Principal/Associate Director Ecology in Chester

Binnies are recruiting for an experienced ecology professional at Principal to Associate Director level within our growing Ecology team (a CIEEM Registered Practice) to provide a key role in our ecological assessment, nature-based solutions and ecological restoration work areas. We have a strong focus on high quality survey and assessment combined with biodiversity enhancement and restoration across our portfolio of work at all scales and sectors including flood, coastal and maritime, water utilities, transport and renewable power. This key role would also support our growing portfolio of work in England and Wales.

You would be a key part of our national Environmental team and work with our ecologists, landscape architects, project managers and other specialists to drive the quality of our designs and assessments. You would take on high profile ecological assessment advice roles in large scale Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, as well as supporting the growth and development of a range of smaller-scale habitat creation and restoration opportunities, from pilot projects through to on-the-ground delivery.

We are already developing new approaches through our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), GIS and Digital Ecology specialists to optimise the use of technology in collecting data and this role would have the benefit of being supported by the outputs of these exciting work areas. Depending on your skill sets and interest there would also be the opportunity to undertake wider ecological assessment, design and survey work. You would be welcome in one of our offices and preferably in the South of the UK (Redhill, Bradford on Avon/Bristol) with hybrid working options available around those locations.

Binnies is an Ecological Registered Practice (CIEEM) and Landscape Practice (Landscape Institute) and holds the IEMA EIA Quality Mark, which is a benchmark of our high standards in EIA delivery.

• Taking a leading position in the Ecology team for the South East or South West England & South Wales for technical oversight and development for Ecology within the Environment Team.
• Supporting new emerging work in the Binnies portfolio including habitat restoration, wetland creation, habitat creation and building connections to Binnies specialist staff.
• Providing technical specialist input to Project-level Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA), including on larger projects, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (opportunities to engage in strategic planning advice can be supported within the role).
• Working with our dedicated Nature Recovery and BNG specialist team members to integrate BNG approaches to land management advice, habitat banking and wider landscape design into project outcomes.
• Providing support and advice on design of habitat restoration/creation schemes to maximise biodiversity outcomes on projects and strategies.
• Supporting business development and tenders.
• Working with our GIS and Digital specialists to maximise use of technology to optimise assessments, surveys and monitoring programmes.

We are happy to adapt the role to your preferences for maintaining your technical discipline and experience.

The role is suitable for an experienced Ecology professional with full membership of CIEEM or equivalent. You should possess and be able to demonstrate the following qualifications, skills and knowledge:

• Have an ecological/environmental related degree;
• Be Chartered, or currently eligible for Chartership;
• Have experience of leading specialist teams or project delivery of ecological designs and/or assessments;
• Have proven experience in leading ecological assessments on major projects (ideally NSIPs) covering EIA and/or HRA;
• Have experience of working with Biodiversity Net Gain and landowner considerations;
• Have experience of working with a range of regulators and stakeholders to improve the ecological outcomes of projects;
• Have excellent written and oral communication;
• Enjoy innovation and embracing advances in technology and ecology;
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Desirable experience includes:

• wider environmental impact assessment and consenting experience (multi-discipline);
• contribution to natural capital and ecosystem services assessments;
• line management;
• previous consultancy experience.

We develop intelligent solutions using our award-winning integrated planning and design approach to deliver functional infrastructure and lasting environmental and social legacies. This is backed by a culture that has stayed true since our foundation over 100 years ago. We create new possibilities for humanity through our innovative approach to delivery. Together with our clients, we are always striving to find a smarter way to deliver projects. From providing low carbon, sustainable and resilient water solutions, flood alleviation and environment services, to connecting people with insights and data. Our business exists to improve the quality of life for our local communities today and for generations to come.

Binnies is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then. At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?