Senior / Principal Ecologist

About Us: Geosphere Environmental Ltd was formed in 2009 by a group of progressive and forward-thinking Engineers from varying backgrounds. The ethos was to provide quality products and services while bringing modern and simplified working practices into a traditionally overcomplicated industry. The aim proved to be a success, and Geosphere Environmental now employs over thirty full-time staff from our main office just outside of Ipswich. Our approach of simplifying often complex situations has won us new clients and kept existing ones returning.

Key Responsibilities:

• The ideal candidate will have broad experience and knowledge of UK ecology including ecological survey, legislation, biodiversity policy, licensing methods and ecological mitigation techniques, including their delivery. You will also have experience in preparing and ideally reviewing reports and documentation to support planning applications.
• Work closely with other members of the team and colleagues in other technical disciplines, delivering ecological support on a variety of projects with opportunities to manage (or task manage) a range of exciting projects.
• Act as project lead, designing, and leading multi-species surveys (including bats, reptiles, badgers, great crested newts, otter and water vole etc).
• Conduct technical reporting (including preliminary ecological appraisals, UK Habs surveys, protected species reports, ecological impact assessments, biodiversity net gain assessments and others) and review reports.
• Provide support on bid writing.
• Mentor junior staff in order to support the growth and development of the ecology team.

Essential skills/experience:

• A minimum of 3 to 5 years experience in ecological consultancy or related work.
• Have the ability to use own initiative and be proactive.
• Have knowledge of relevant UK and European environmental legislation.
• Be a member of CIEEM.
• Hold a full clean UK driving licence.
• Hold relevant degree qualification.
• Have excellent fieldwork skills with experience of a range of fauna and flora survey methods.
• Be willing to work outside normal office hours as required.
• Have the ability to undertake surveys, often with quickly changing schedules.
• Write reports in a timely and technical fashion.

Desirable skills/experience:

• Hold a level 2 bat licence.

Benefits:

• 28 days Holiday plus bank holidays.
• Subscription to one professional organisation following the initial probation period (CIEEM is most applicable).
• Support towards professional development and chartership including ongoing internal and external structured training.
• Use of company pool vehicles for site works.
• Subsidy towards your existing phone contract to use it for work purposes (up to £20 per month).
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Two team building events (usually in summer and winter).
• Opportunity to join in on volunteer days where GEL staff give something back (e.g. beach cleans).

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• UK Drivers Licence, held for 2+ years (required)

Work Location: In person