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- Tasks: Lead complex ecological projects and mentor junior staff in ornithology.
- Company: Join a supportive team committed to ecological best practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while shaping ecological practices.
- Qualifications: Degree in ecology or related field with strong ornithological experience.
- Other info: Hybrid working supported; travel required for site work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Kent (preferably Canterbury; willing to travel/relocate)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience.
Start: ASAP/negotiable
About the role: We are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist with a strong ornithological background to lead and deliver complex ecological projects. This senior role involves technical delivery, client liaison and mentoring staff with particular expertise in bird ecology and assessment. You will take a lead role on projects involving internationally designated sites, providing robust advice, assessment and reporting that stands up to scrutiny at planning, appeal and inquiry.
Key responsibilities:
- Technical leadership and project management of complex ecological projects.
- Leading ornithological assessment and reporting including:
- Preparation and review of assessments relating to internationally designated sites (SPA, Ramsar and related Habitats Regulations considerations).
- Breeding and wintering bird surveys and data interpretation.
- Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA).
- Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) screening and appropriate assessments.
- Environmental Statement (ES) ecology chapters.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and metric calculations.
Essential requirements:
- Degree (or higher qualification) in ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related discipline.
- Significant professional experience in ecological consultancy or a comparable role.
- Strong ornithological experience including survey design, interpretation and impact assessment.
- Demonstrable experience of internationally designated sites assessments.
- EcIA preparation and review.
- Ecology chapters of Environmental Statements.
- BNG assessment and reporting.
- Excellent written communication skills with a track record of producing clear and defensible technical reports.
- Sound understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work and meetings.
Desirable (but not essential):
- Chartered Ecologist or Full Membership of CIEEM (or working towards).
- Experience supporting projects through appeal or examination.
- Line management experience.
- At least one species licence (GCN, Bat, Hazel Dormice) and recent Named Ecologist experience.
What we offer:
- A senior role with real technical influence and autonomy.
- Opportunity to shape ornithological and ecological best practice within the team.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where possible.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Ongoing CPD and professional development support.
We are committed to sustainable working practices and recognise the physical and cognitive demands of nocturnal survey work. We actively prioritise recovery and, alongside flexible working and a robust TOIL system, apply clear limits on the number of nocturnal surveys staff undertake per week and ensure that all staff have a full week free from nocturnal work each month during the survey season, supporting a work/life balance.
Location: The role is preferably Kent (Canterbury) based; hybrid working is supported. Candidates must be willing to travel for site work and meetings as required.
How to apply: Please submit your CV and a short covering letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to charlotte.clements@lloydbore.co.uk
Principal Ecologist (Ornithology) in Canterbury employer: Lloydbore Ltd
Contact Detail:
Lloydbore Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist (Ornithology) in Canterbury
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the ecology and ornithology scene! Attend industry events, join online forums, or even hit up local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Ecologist gig.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with internationally designated sites and EcIA preparation. We want to see how your skills can lead complex ecological projects and mentor junior staff!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every conversation is an opportunity! Tailor your discussions to reflect the specific needs of the role. Talk about your strong ornithological background and how you can provide robust advice and assessments that stand up to scrutiny.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist (Ornithology) in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your ornithological experience and relevant projects. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in ecological consultancy!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for ecology and why you’re the perfect fit for this Principal Ecologist role. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the job.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We appreciate well-structured documents that reflect your ability to produce high-quality reports.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lloydbore Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your ornithological knowledge and recent developments in ecological assessments. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving internationally designated sites, as this will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about Ecological Impact Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain metrics. Practise explaining your approach to these assessments clearly and concisely, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this is a senior role, be prepared to talk about your experience mentoring junior staff and leading projects. Share examples of how you've supported team members and contributed to their professional development.
✨Communicate Clearly
Your written communication skills are crucial for this role, so demonstrate your ability to articulate complex ideas simply during the interview. Consider bringing along samples of your reports or assessments to discuss, which can serve as great conversation starters.
