At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects, mentor colleagues, and produce technical reports.
- Company: Join COOMBES, a leading Arboricultural and Forestry Contractor with over 20 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, bonuses, pension scheme, and wellness support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ecology while working on exciting projects across the UK.
- Qualifications: CIEEM membership, project management experience, and knowledge of UK legislation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
As our Principal Ecologist, you will lead on and provide expert support, training and guidance to develop COOMBES ecological management strategies, plans and budget costs alongside our Environmental Manager.
You will be responsible for:
- Establishing and managing Ecology resources within the company
- Advising on environmental legislation, keeping key stakeholders informed of any changes, updating company policies and procedures as required
- Producing technical reports in a timely manner and to requirement
- Coaching, mentoring and developing colleagues in this area, providing feedback and support
- Leading on/undertaking ecological surveying and logistics planning across our sites
- Undertaking, supervising and training colleagues with PEAs, ECiAs and HRAs
- Leading on/providing training and support for protected species surveys/reports, ecological data collation, analysis, monitoring and reporting
- Mentoring/supporting the professional development of other members of the team
To be successful as our Principal Ecologist, we would ideally like you to have the following skills/experience:
- CIEEM membership (Associate Level or above)
- Experience managing ecological projects from conception to completion, including Phase 2 surveys
- Understanding/application of habitat identification using UKHab methods and botanical species identification (FISC Level 4 minimum)
- Proficiency preparing EPSL & GIS documents, BNG assessments & EcIAs
- Ideally hold at least 2 protected species licenses (Dormouse preferred)
- Detailed, working knowledge of UK legislation and policy
- Experience working on the railway network with PTS (preferred)
- Experience of working within rail/on infrastructure projects would be advantageous but is not essential.
What You Can Expect From Us:
- Competitive basic salary, reviewed annually.
- Company-branded vehicle.
- Annual performance related bonus.
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme offering wellbeing, legal and financial support.
- 24/7 online GP access for you and your family.
- Retail, leisure and lifestyle discounts.
- Regular social events, including our Summer Family Day and COOMBESmas celebration.
- Length of service awards.
- Opportunities to support our Social Value commitments through volunteering and fundraising.
COOMBES UK are a leading Arboricultural and Forestry Contractor, with over 20 years experience and expertise in the Forestry sector. We have forged a strong industry reputation, and we believe we have an unrivalled skill set and peerless knowledge of Forestry work at all levels.
COOMBES play a key role within the Rail industry, providing a whole manner of off-track solutions, and minor civils works, in partnership with Network Rail and other major contractors. Following recent, significant growth, we currently have some exciting projects underway in woodland management, timber harvesting, rail and civils works across the UK. We have a strong record of achievement and are committed to meeting the growing demands for safe and efficient delivery.
A family-run SME, we believe in working collaboratively and operating as one team. Our success is only achieved through the hard work, dedication and skill of our people. Operating with transparency and integrity in all that we do, we take responsibility for our actions, empowering and supporting each other to be the best, most authentic version of ourselves consistently.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion: We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities, whilst ensuring that all employees and applicants are treated fairly and with respect. Even if you don't meet all the qualifications or have all the experience listed, we still encourage you to apply. You may just be the ideal candidate for this role, or suitable for future vacancies. We are always keen to speak with talented individuals with an interest in joining us here at COOMBES and look forward to hearing from you soon.
