Assistant/Consultant Ecologist in Southampton

My client is a leading ecological consultancy based in Hampshire. Their team of highly experienced ecologists work on a range of projects across the UK, such as small to large scale housing, public sector and infrastructure developments. Their regular client list includes local authorities, architects, developers, construction companies and planning consultants.

Their services include:

• UK Habitat (UKHab) classification survey
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
• Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
• Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments
• Ecology input for BREEAM assessments
• Preparation of Ecology Chapters to support Environmental Statements

Your new role involves:

• Project Management - co-ordination of field surveys, managing project budgets, supporting with client liaison and consultations with statutory and non-statutory consultees
• Desk studies – coordinating and assessing existing ecological information
• Ecological field surveys and coordinating junior members of staff
• Supporting with assessment of the impacts of proposed developments, developing recommendations for the mitigation of ecological impacts
• Supporting with the undertaking of protected species mitigation licences
• Production of survey reports, drafting Environmental Statement chapters and other documents to support planning
• Supporting senior members of staff
• Developing client relationships by attending meetings
• General administrative / management tasks

What you will need to succeed:

• Full CIEEM membership (or be working towards this)
• Degree in a relevant subject
• Minimum of two years post-qualification experience in an ecologically focused role, preferably in ecological consultancy
• Extensive experience in undertaking protected species and habitat surveys
• Excellent project management skills, particularly in relation to medium to large scale developments
• Proven experience of preparing technical report writing, ideally including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain reports and other technical reports
• Hold at least one Natural England / Natural Resources Wales protected species class licence is desirable
• Strong knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance
• Be a team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Sound MS Outlook, Word and Excel skills
• A full driving licence and vehicle

What you will get in return:

• A competitive salary in the range of £26,000 - £34,000 depending on experience
• Access to complimentary private GP appointments for all staff and their families
• Enrolment to company healthcare scheme
• A generous structured training budget and regular in-house training
• An increased hourly rate for undertaking dusk bat surveys
• Fixed weekdays for undertaking evening surveys
• An employee assistance programme to provide access to information on wellness, medical health and general life support and advice
• Core working hours between 10:00-16:00, with flexibility around these times
• Access to a contributory private pension, with matched contributions up to 5%
• Flexibility to work from home with prior agreement
• CIEEM membership and protected species licence fees paid for by the company
• A relaxed office environment and a friendly team
• Regular social events and yearly charity days
• Ability to accrue TOIL or be paid overtime
• 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Your birthday as annual leave after three years' service and an extra day's leave per year after five years' service
• A rural office location with free car parking, a large garden, wildlife ponds, lunch and break out area