Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assistant / Ecologist

Are you passionate about biodiversity and ready to take your career to the next level? We’re looking for a driven BNG Specialist to join our growing team! In this role, you will support our Dorking-based ecologists while also advising a diverse range of clients, including developers, landowners, and farmers, helping them successfully deliver BNG projects that contribute to both development and nature’s recovery. While your primary focus will be the South East, you’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with our wider ecological teams across the UK.

At FPCR, we’ve been pioneers in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) since 2012. Our team has played a key role in shaping the industry, from developing BNG metrics (2.0, 3.0, and 4.0) to leading the creation of the Small Sites Metric and designing Natural England’s BNG GIS templates.

What will you be doing?

• Helping to produce BNG assessments by supporting UKHab surveys and undertaking biodiversity metric calculations to successfully support developers in delivering BNG and landowners wishing to create BNG habitat banks.
• Assisting in developing biodiversity strategies for landowners and developers including input into BNG on-site and off-site habitat designs.
• Report writing, including BNG feasibility assessments, BNG reports, input into Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and habitat sections of EcIAs.
• GIS mapping using QGIS.
• Helping to draft Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) for a range of project types and sizes.
• Preparation of Biodiversity Gain Plans and other associated documents.
• Liaison with various stakeholders including developers, local authorities, landowners, environmental NGOs.
• Providing support for Dorking ecologists, landscapers and QGIS technicians.
• Land management advice, habitat restoration advice, overseeing habitat creation projects.
• Development and input into projects as opportunities arise.

What are we looking for?

• Degree level or equivalent academic qualification in Environment/Ecology or related field.
• Critical thinking and the ability to apply ecological knowledge to achieve positive outcomes for both nature and people.
• Ability to work autonomously and be solution-focused.
• Knowledge, understanding and experience of using DEFRA BNG metrics, particularly the Statutory metric.
• Proficient in the use of GIS programmes (preferably QGIS or aptitude to learn).
• The degree of experience will determine the position level.
• Competency in Microsoft Office software.
• A full, clean UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable skills of interest include:

• Botanical survey experience – FISC 3+ equivalent botanical expertise across a range of habitat types.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), eligibility for membership or other similar.
• Knowledge of the planning system with regards to BNG – including National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).

Why FPCR?

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd is one of the UK’s leading integrated design practices working extensively throughout the UK. Over the last 60 years, the practice has developed a valuable mix of multi-disciplinary expertise in master planning, environmental assessment, urban design, landscape, ecology, architecture, arboriculture and green infrastructure. Working together, we have implemented many award-winning schemes in environmentally sensitive locations.

At the start of 2021, FPCR became an Employee-Owned business. Our people and culture are vital to the service we provide, and we feel this is the best way forward for the practice's future. Employee Ownership will enable the whole team to share in the future growth and success of the business, whilst the practice can remain responsive, independent, and adaptable.

The Dorking office has been operating for over 12 years and has expanded from three ecologists to a team of twenty ecologists, four landscape architects and a QGIS team. Many of the staff have been working for FPCR over 6 years, with the ecology director working for FPCR for over 20 years. Many of our staff were recruited as assistants and have stayed on to develop their skill sets and have become valued senior ecologists and above.

The Dorking office is set on the top of Ranmore Common, Dorking which is part of the Surrey Hills AONB/National Landscapes and SSSI. This allows for lunchtime walks/runs and opportunities to explore unique flora and fauna of the area. We have regular social activities based locally as well as group events during the season that have included paddleboarding, theatre trips, Knepp visits, water parks, camping, pub quizzes and we also get involved with volunteering, with annual work with the Species Recovery Trust.

What you can expect in return:

Our employees are our greatest asset, representing a wide range of skills and experience from across the field of UK ecology. We are proud to offer our staff at all levels the opportunity to pursue their interests as this helps us to facilitate shared learning across our practice. We have an open and continual dialogue with our staff about their development needs, and should any staff member have a particular interest in a specific subject or wish to develop a particular skill, the directors are happy to support them.

We also operate a 35-hour week, with time off in lieu and compressed hours, which helps to provide downtime for our staff during the busy periods; however, the aim is always to manage hours that staff work. We offer a competitive salary (dependent on experience and skills) with the opportunity for annual bonuses, enrolment on our pension scheme, 25 days' holiday, and a holiday purchase system. Everyone is enrolled in a BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme. FPCR offers many workplace benefits, including activity and social events. FPCR is an equal opportunities employer.

If you feel you are the right candidate or feel you can offer FPCR’s ecology team other relevant experience and skills, please submit your CV, a cover letter, and any supporting documentation you feel may be of interest. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.