Principal Ecologist

Carrington West are pleased to offer this outstanding vacancy with one of the most innovative and progressive consultancies in the civil engineering/highway engineering market.

The role of Principal Ecologist offers the successful candidate a chance to work on large local civil environmental schemes. The role is to lead a multidisciplinary team in the delivery of a range of environmental, ecological, landscape planning and associated professional services to internal and external clients as part of the Environmental Consultancy.

Day to day job objectives:

• Effectively manage available resources and capacity within the team to ensure successful delivery of the teams\’ work programme.
• Implement and manage the provision of specialist technical expertise and project delivery which may be complex and significant to achieve quality, programme and financial targets meeting customer and stakeholder requirements.
• Manage the provision of specialist technical expertise in the delivery of team disciplines as part of the planning process, which may include the provision of an expert witness role at the inquiry, to achieve compliance with legislation, and national and local policies.
• Manage the service area to colleagues, clients or third parties to support the delivery of projects across the organisation that may be complex and large‑scale.
• Identify development and market opportunities to contribute to the growth of the team service thereby supporting achievement of business plan objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members to achieve their potential and deliver effective business results.
• Hold team members to account to comply with internal and external standards of statutory responsibilities, duties, policies and procedures to ensure standards are met to maintain a consistent and high‑quality service.
• Act as an ambassador for individual schemes and the Company across professional, business and community events and networks at local and regional levels to maintain a positive company reputation, build relationships with third parties and promote internal expertise for business development.

What experience you will need:

• Relevant degree and Chartership of a relevant professional institute, or equivalent post qualification experience/knowledge gained through practical experience in an ecological or landscape planning consultancy, full CIEEM or LI membership and ongoing CPD requirements eligible for Chartership.
• Extensive post-qualification experience accomplishing a broad background in either of the specialism areas below:
  • Ecological survey and assessment including preparing chapters for Environmental Statements, ecological mitigation design/delivery (including Ecological Clerk of Works role) and hold a minimum Level 1 Natural England Bat Licence in combination with at least 1 other protected species licence.
  • Landscape Planning and Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA); Co‑ordination and compilation of complete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), delivery of both EIA Scoping and full Environmental Statement (ES) landscape chapters, development of landscape mitigation proposals/measures across a wide variety of development projects.
• Strong knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance along with a good understanding/experience of either:
  • Habitats Regulations Assessment and Biodiversity Net Gain Calculations
  • Public Inquiry, Protected Landscape designations, Green Belt, Heritage & Conservation designations, Landscape Character Assessments and providing independent Consultation Advice to Local Authority Planners
• Ability to lead a team in a busy environmental services team, to make decisions and solve problems to meet team objectives and operational targets and be able to prioritise available team resources to meet the needs of the business.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to gain agreement and acceptance of others including colleagues, senior managers and clients. Ability to work collaboratively and actively involve colleagues and members of the team.
• Strong ICT skills including competence in specialist computer applications used to support ecological or landscape visual impact assessments including GIS software packages.
• Thorough working knowledge of health and safety, technical, planning, and other legislation /good practices appropriate to ecology or landscape planning assessments.
• Proven experience in providing information, communicating, and working collaboratively with internal and external customers, stakeholders and colleagues to achieve delivery objectives.
• Proven experience in financial monitoring and control across a range of environmental consultancy projects.

What you\’ll get in return:

This is not only a great opportunity to work on local Environmental projects, but one where you will have a real opportunity to help influence the shape and character of the team\’s expansion over the coming years.

A culture that helps you to achieve your full potential with clear, structured mentoring, investment and feedback.

A competitive salary – not just to attract you to the business but also to recognise your ongoing contribution and capabilities.

They also provide a leading pension scheme, and various perks and wellbeing initiatives to ensure you are properly looked after during your time with the business.

If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the salary, location or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.

Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways, Infrastructure & Transportation professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Carrington West\’s Highways, Transport & Infrastructure division is the fastest growing in the country, our specialist team has a combined over 100+ years\’ experience in this market. Please call Adam Butler at Carrington West on (phone number removed) for more information.

By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third‑party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent please contact us

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