Ecologist to Senior Ecologist

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for the next step up in your career? Are you looking to increase your exposure to complex and rewarding projects? Do you want to join an established consultancy practice who pride themselves in offering a great place to work? If so, we would love to hear from you for our Dorking office.

You will play a pivotal role in leading and delivering high-quality ecological assessments, surveys, and mitigation strategies, collaborating with our talented team of ecologists, landscape architects, and environmental planners. Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting and leading on ecological surveys, including protected species surveys, habitat assessments, and biodiversity audits.
• Undertaking environmental impact assessments and preparing ecological reports.
• Designing and implementing appropriate mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and protect ecological habitats.
• Providing expert advice on ecological matters to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

About you:

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• At least 3+ years’ experience in ecological consultancy, with a strong focus on conducting surveys, assessments, preparing a range of ecological reports, and project management.
• Sound knowledge of UK ecology legislation, guidelines, and best practice.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience/knowledge of EcIAs, EIAs and HRAs.
• Some experience in advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain, understanding and use of the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric and production of associated reports and plans.
• Experience with a wider range of protected species surveys and knowledge of formulating appropriate mitigation measures.
• Hold protected species licence/s.
• Membership or eligibility for membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM).
• A full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

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 masterplanning, environmental assessment, urban design, landscape, ecology, architecture, arboriculture and green infrastructure. Working together, we have implemented many award-winning schemes in environmentally sensitive locations.

Our ecology team is led by four directors who each joined the company in junior positions and are committed to providing the same supportive and fostering environment that is at the heart of our practice. Our team of over 120 ecologists work out of five offices across the UK.

Could you be one of the experienced, talented and energetic professionals helping to continue the development of the team, responding to our clients and keeping FPCR moving forwards whilst responding to new challenges in ecological practice? The positions provide the right candidates with an ideal opportunity to be a part of a motivated team offering technical advice to a diverse range of clients covering projects across all aspects of ecology.

What you can expect in return:

• Salary: Ecologist £26-32k, Senior Ecologist £32-£36K dependent on experience.
• Our employees really 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 individual interests as this helps us to facilitate shared learning across our practice.
• We are offering a competitive salary with the opportunity for annual bonuses, enrolment on our pension scheme and 25 days holiday, compressed working week and a holiday purchase system.
• Everyone is enrolled in a BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme. Staff well-being is very important to us, and the teams frequently have a range of volunteering and social activities going on.

FPCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their race or gender.

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 along with a covering letter, together with any supporting documentation that you feel may be of interest.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.