Senior/Principal Ecologist with BNG Specialism in Birmingham

Shape the future of our cities and environments. You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We’re proud to say it’s thanks to our people’s diversity of thought, expertise and knowledge. And when you join us, you’ll be a part of this genuinely collaborative environment, where everyone’s voice is valued and treated equally. We’re passionate about what we do, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Simply put, this is a great place to be. So, when it comes to your life outside of work, ask us about our flexible and remote working policies designed to help you get the most out of life.

Our ecology team truly strives to make a positive difference to the natural environment, by working closely with other disciplines across our business to engage in projects from the outset, ensuring ecology is considered at the earliest possible stage. This collaborative working helps to drive forward nature positive schemes that we are proud of. Our award-winning team of over 130 ecologists work across a range of exciting habitat creation, research, development and major infrastructure projects; we also design new innovations and help inform policy.

At AtkinsRéalis our people are the foundation of our business and that’s why we put our people first. With this in mind, we provide an incredibly flexible and inclusive working environment with staff wellbeing being front and centre of all our decisions. We also understand that not everyone chooses to take the university route in terms of education - we are open to taking on ecologists without a degree and we are working closely with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) to make entry into the environmental industry more inclusive for all. For us, it is the experience, knowledge and, above all, your ability to fit in well with our existing team of ecologists, that really matters.

Your role:

• Working individually but also, collaboratively, in a team environment.
• Undertaking ecological assessment and habitat design for a variety of development and nature recovery projects.
• Developing innovative and pragmatic approaches to ecological mitigation and compensation.
• Collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams and engaging with stakeholders / clients.
• Delivering clear and concise, high quality ecological deliverables in line with current guidance and good practice.
• Quality assurance of ecological deliverables.
• Acting as ecology lead on projects.
• Task / project management.
• Mentoring of staff.
• Line Management.

About you:

• A passion for ecology.
• A good working knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, policy and methods, the natural environment and wildlife legislation.
• The ability to undertake Biodiversity Net Gain assessments including feasibility assessments, baseline assessments and post works assessments.
• Good report writing skills including (preferably) experience of authoring Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs).
• Strong botanical skills, including (preferably) at least Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) level 4, or demonstrable botanical ability matching this level.
• Competent in using GIS and/or other geospatial applications.
• Experience in protected species survey, mitigation and licensing.
• An understanding of the importance of work winning, through both bidding and maintaining strong client relationships.
• The ability to manage ecology deliverables / projects from bidding through to completion.
• Membership of CIEEM or equivalent and Chartership (CEnv or CEcol) or the current ability to achieve chartership.
• Full driving licence.

Rewards & benefits:

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Security clearance:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.