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- Tasks: Join our team to manage ecological projects and support renewable energy initiatives.
- Company: RPS, part of Tetra Tech, focuses on sustainable solutions in ecology and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and accredited training programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while growing your career in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: A degree in Ecology or related field, with relevant experience and protected species licences preferred.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; travel may be required for site visits.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
Associate Ecologist
RPS, a Tetra Tech company is looking for an Associate Ecologist to join our East of England ecology team, based in Norwich or Cambridge.
About the Team
Our East of England ecology team delivers a range of ecological services to support renewable energy, residential, commercial and infrastructure projects across the region. We are involved with some of the largest off-shore wind developments in the country, as well as onshore solar, battery storage and energy transmission, helping to deliver clean energy to the UK market. We also have a strong presence in the residential and commercial market, providing variety to the work we do.
Your Impact:
Join RPS, a Tetra Tech company to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to grow your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
What you will be doing:
- Support our Senior Ecology Management Team in managing and growing our East of England ecology team
- Lead and manage complex ecological projects as part of a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, residential, and commercial projects, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
- Author, and peer review, a range of ecology reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Environmental Statement (ES) Ecology Chapters
- Contribute to the development of the team through providing in-house training, support and line management to junior team members
- Work collaboratively as part of a team of ecologists
- Lead negotiations with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers, and stakeholders
- Complete Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, interpreting and evaluating the Biodiversity Metric to deliver pragmatic on- and off-site solutions to our clients
- Project management including preparation of fee proposals/ tenders, invoicing and management of project finances
- Design and implement ecological mitigation strategies including mitigation licences for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and water vole
Who we are looking for:
- You will have sound knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation relevant to the role
- You will have extensive experience managing ecological inputs to complex development projects, including EIA, green infrastructure and biodiversity net gain assessments
- You will excel in a client-facing role, winning and delivering new work and managing client relationships
- You will technical expertise in your chosen specialist areas, or general terrestrial ecology
- You will be competent in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments (FISC level 4 highly desirable but not essential)
- You\’ll be able to design and complete a range of typical ecology surveys, and interpret the findings to inform robust ecological assessments and deliver pragmatic solutions to clients
- You\’ll have experience designing/ delivering ecological mitigation including protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
- We are looking for a team player – someone to support our small team as we grow, but also the ability to work independently.
- Good time keeping and communication skills are important to us.
- You will hold a full UK driving licence, insured for business purposes, and be willing to travel to sites throughout the region (some level of overnight accommodation may be required).
Qualifications/ licences/ certifications:
- Bachelor\’s and/or Master\’s degree in Ecology or closely related field.
- CIEEM Membership
- Hold at least one protected species survey licence (great crested newt and bats highly desirable)
- FISC Level 4 highly desirable but not essential
What is in it for you?
We offer a competitive salary in the range of £48,000 – £60,000 (depending on experience)
We\’re proud to be an accredited training provider, internationally recognised and providing robust fully accredited professional training programmes – to master\’s degree level professional qualifications in leadership & management and executive coaching & mentoring, we provide learning and development for everyone.
We support our people to innovate, collaborate and build meaningful careers. Our network of people and knowledge will expand your horizons and give you access to a variety of interesting projects.
Embracing diverse ideas, perspectives, and thinking styles is at the heart of what we do. We need a mix of experiences and techniques to develop the ideas. We respect one another and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. You\’ll be joining a diverse community of experts and a company that puts its people first and prioritises their wellbeing.
Why choose RPS, a Tetra Tech company:
In 2023 RPS joined Tetra Tech, enabling us to combine our expertise with the reach and resources of a prestigious global organisation.
We design, and manage projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech\’s strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource-scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities.
As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market-leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career.
We\’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work-life balance that\’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment. With agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs – this is a workplace that works for you.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With over 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
#LI-LB1 #LI-HYBRID #LI-REMOTE
Recruitment AgenciesWe have a Preferred Supplier List oftrusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge anyspeculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not onthis list and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require anyfurther information. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Associate Ecologist employer: RPS Group Limited
Contact Detail:
RPS Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest UK environmental legislation and planning systems. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and understanding of the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the ecology field, especially those who work on renewable energy projects. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities at RPS.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by discussing any relevant experiences where you've led ecological projects. Highlight your ability to manage client relationships and deliver results, as this is crucial for the Associate Ecologist role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with biodiversity assessments and ecological mitigation strategies. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience with protected species licensing will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in ecology, particularly in managing ecological projects and working with the UK planning system. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in ecological assessments and project management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for ecology and your understanding of the role. Mention your experience with biodiversity net gain assessments and any relevant protected species survey licences you hold. Make it personal and connect your values with those of RPS.
Highlight Teamwork and Leadership Skills: Since the role involves supporting a small team and managing junior members, emphasise your teamwork and leadership experiences. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects or mentored others in your field.
Showcase Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in this role. Include examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients, stakeholders, or regulatory bodies like Natural England. This will demonstrate your ability to manage client relationships and lead negotiations.
How to prepare for a job interview at RPS Group Limited
✨Know Your Ecology Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of UK environmental legislation and the planning system. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact ecological assessments and project management, as this will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to share examples of complex ecological projects you've managed. Highlight your experience with Ecological Impact Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments, as well as your ability to lead negotiations with stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Leadership
Since the role involves supporting junior team members, prepare to discuss your experience in mentoring or training others. Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively while also showcasing your independence in managing tasks.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to habitat classification and ecological surveys. Be ready to explain your approach to designing mitigation strategies and interpreting survey findings, as this will demonstrate your technical expertise in ecology.
