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- Tasks: Lead and support an ecological team on diverse projects, from surveys to mitigation design.
- Company: Join RPS, a Tetra Tech company, a global leader in consulting and engineering services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team solving real-world problems and shaping a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant subject with consultancy experience; CIEEM membership preferred.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; we prioritise your professional growth and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Principal Ecologist to grow, manage and support our ecological team, delivering master planning inputs, ecological appraisals, botanical, BNG and protected species surveys and studies, mitigation design and construction and post-construction supervision and monitoring.
We're looking for someone based in Eastern England, Cambridge/Newark/Leeds (but other locations would also be considered including Southampton, Brighton, Oxford, Bristol, Exeter or Plymouth). The ideal candidate would be an established ecological consultant with experience of working on renewables projects; big infrastructure and also housebuilding and other development types. Your experience should include ecological assessment within the EIA process and for DCO project types. Ideally, you would have supported teams working in pre-examination and examination stages and may have supported on public inquiries.
A good understanding of protected species requirements and designing and implementing mitigation plans and advising on license requirements where applicable is essential. Ideally, you would hold a number of protected species licences with experience working in ecological consultancy and demonstrating the following key skills:
- Very good communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills
- Demonstrable mentoring & coaching skills
- Ability to identify opportunities and secure new business / clients in collaboration with the wider team / Directors
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with team, colleagues, clients and external bodies
- Strong financial and project management skills
- A positive approach to their own professional development
- Strong knowledge of the technical discipline including the current methods, legislation, techniques and guidance which directs the services we provide
- Demonstrable experience working as an ecological consultant and project management experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Educated to degree level in a relevant subject with consultancy experience
- CIEEM membership (Full)
What's in it for you? We will provide you with a competitive salary, opportunities to invest and many other benefits including: 25 days holiday + bank holidays, Option to purchase up to 5 extra days per year, Company pension scheme, Group Disability Scheme, Share Incentive Scheme, Life Assurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, Health Screening, Employee Assistance Programme (including numerous wellbeing initiatives and mental health support), Dental Cover, Professional Memberships and access to BenefitHub offering discounts, cash back offers and rewards.
We're an accredited training provider - from entry level to master's degree level professional qualifications in leadership & management and executive coaching & mentoring, we support learning and development for everyone. A personal development plan and a transparent career pathway puts you in the driving seat of your career and you'll be supported as far as you want to go.
We understand the need to work flexibly, with agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we're happy to talk about flexible working. This is a workplace that works for you. A career here is far from ordinary. Here you're not a number, you're part of the solution.
RPS, A Tetra Tech Company represents an exciting new chapter in our business, on 24 January 2023 RPS became a Tetra Tech company. With over 28,000 employees in more than 550 offices in more than 120 countries on seven continents, Tetra Tech is a leading, global provider of consulting and engineering services. As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to offer our people market-leading development and project opportunities, helping to solve some of the world's most complex problems.
Here you're part of the solution. RPS is where you come to build a career, where you'll find true support, encouragement and the opportunity to grow. Our people are our success. We need people who share our passion on solving the problems that matter. People who believe they can shape a more sustainable future, who build lasting relationships and who embrace new ways of working. And where you'll be supported every step of the way.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments during the interview process, we can then make reasonable changes to support you in performing to the best of your ability.
Principal Ecologist employer: RPS Group Limited
Contact Detail:
RPS Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the ecological field, especially those who have experience with renewables and large infrastructure projects. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and clients, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and techniques related to ecological assessments and protected species. Being well-versed in current methods will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams or managed projects, particularly in relation to ecological consultancy, as this will showcase your leadership skills and ability to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Research RPS and Tetra Tech's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their values and current work will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission and goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in ecological consultancy, particularly with renewables projects and big infrastructure. Emphasise your skills in ecological assessments and project management, as well as any relevant protected species licences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for ecology and your understanding of the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your mentoring skills, communication abilities, and how you've successfully managed projects in the past.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your educational background and any professional memberships, such as CIEEM. Highlight any additional training or certifications that relate to ecological consultancy and project management.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with ecological appraisals and mitigation plans. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with clients and external bodies, and how you approach securing new business opportunities.
How to prepare for a job interview at RPS Group Limited
✨Showcase Your Ecological Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in ecological consultancy, especially with renewables projects and big infrastructure. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, focusing on your role in ecological assessments and mitigation plans.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent written and verbal communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ecological concepts to clients or stakeholders in the past.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
Expect questions about your project management experience. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, timelines, and team dynamics in previous roles, particularly in relation to ecological projects.
✨Emphasise Mentoring and Team Collaboration
The role involves mentoring and building relationships within a team. Think of examples where you've successfully coached others or collaborated with colleagues to achieve project goals, and be ready to share these during the interview.
