Principal Ecologist - Leading Independent Consultancy in England

Would you like to work for an organisation that prides itself on being unique to all other consultancies? How does unlimited leave, complete flexibility and the opportunity to work on a diverse range of exciting projects sound? To continue with their successful journey, my client is looking to recruit a Principal Ecologist to join their expanding team. Set up just 5 years ago, my client has enjoyed consistent growth ever since. Striving to employ the best and brightest, they reward hard work and dedication. My client provides ecology consultancy services to a wide range of clients, priding themselves in technical excellence and providing an innovative, pragmatic, client-friendly service.

As a Principal Ecologist, you will be playing a pivotal role in the business and be part of the leadership team, helping shape the business as it grows. You will be joining an established team working on a huge variety of exciting projects. Your role will be varied and consist of both office and field-based responsibilities. The role will offer you the chance to be involved in every facet of the life cycle of the project. You will be able to mentor junior staff as well as support the Director on strategic decisions, writing bids and proposals as well as work generation initiatives. You will be expected to produce work of the highest standard to ensure desirable outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

Ideally You Will Have The Following:

• Genuine and demonstrable enthusiasm for ecology and the environment
• Experience of line managing or providing guidance to junior members of an ecology team
• Survey licence for one or more protected species e.g. bats / newts or a demonstrable specialist in other taxa (botany, inverts)
• Experience of habitat surveys (Phase 1 or NVC / UK Habitats) and / or protected species surveys
• Experience of designing and implementing mitigation
• Experience of providing technical review of ecological reports
• Motivated to work both independently and as part of a team
• Good communication skills with colleagues, clients and third parties
• Full or chartered member of CIEEM (or eligible if not currently held)
• Full driving licence and use of a car
• The project-based nature of our work means the candidate must be willing to undertake travel and work away from home with overnight stays

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of sales / business development, or willingness to learn
• Experience of EcIA, BREEAM or biodiversity net gain
• Advanced skills in one or more specialist ecological area e.g. bats
• Demonstrable enthusiasm / skills in one or more specialist ecological area e.g. bats, newts, botany
• Experience of using QGIS or ArcGIS (training provided if not)
• Have held European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences for protected species e.g. great crested newt or bats
• Hold specialist mitigation class licences such as Bat Low Impact Class licence or Badger class licence

My Client Offers:

• Apple computer and iPhone
• Competitive salary
• Professional memberships paid for
• In-house training and unlimited external training budget
• Colleague awarded bonus scheme
• Generous pension
• Unlimited annual leave and flexible approach to work time, balancing a healthy work life balance
• New perks added frequently, reflecting being part of an exciting and innovative young business

Candidates will ideally live within commuting distance to the Oxford area or be willing to relocate. However, there is significant flexibility for a mix of working from home and the office. Being part of a young company offers excellent opportunities to be a part of a growing SME with clear strategic direction and opportunities to grow with the business. Even if you are cautiously looking, I would recommend a discreet conversation to find out more about the firm and the role.