Senior Field Ecologist in Stoke-on-Trent

Join to apply for the Senior Field Ecologist role at SLR Consulting. Due to continued business growth, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Ecologist to join our Midlands ecology team in a Senior Field role. Based from our Shrewsbury or Stoke offices, you will play a lead role in undertaking and delivering a range of projects across our business sectors, particularly including Renewables and Built Environment. This role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for the delivery of ecology inputs to a number of large and complex projects.

SLR has a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Licensed members of our team can deal with great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice and reptiles. We’re proud of our strong working relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Responsibilities

• Work on field surveys and mitigation projects relating to ornithology, protected/notable mammals and habitats.
• Involved in herpetofauna, fish habitat and invertebrate surveys.
• Managing / overseeing ecological aspects of projects, advising clients and contractors on schemes in power, built environment and infrastructure sectors.
• Preparation of fee proposals, scope of works, report writing and technical review of peer and sub-contractor reports.
• Supervision and mentoring of ecology staff; staff management and leading site work on particular ecological specialisms.
• Scheduling, managing and ensuring delivery of ecological survey work packages on time and budget.
• Liaising with other SLR technical teams on planning, landscape, hydrology, noise and air quality while working closely with senior members of the ecology team in other SLR offices.
• Significant travel and time away from home; survey work in all weathers and occasionally in remote locations; long days may occasionally be required for field work.

Qualifications

• BSc Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable) and eligible for Qualifying or Associate level CIEEM membership.
• Demonstrable experience in ecological surveying (terrestrial ecology, botany, ornithology or another specialism) and understanding of the relevant ecological legislation and policy within Scotland and throughout the UK.
• Good theoretical grounding in ecology and environmental assessment and demonstration of experience in a range of ecological survey techniques.
• Botanical skills and experience of habitat surveys; specialist fauna surveys (bats, reptiles, amphibians, water voles, otters, birds or invertebrates) advantage.
• Experience in project management duties including planning and scheduling surveys, budget management and client liaison.
• Protected /notable species survey experience of relevance to Scotland.
• Ornithological, botanical, terrestrial or freshwater fauna surveys.
• Full UK driving licence.

Culture & Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under-represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent. Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR. SLR Commitment – All applicants with a disability who meet the essential requirements for the job will be guaranteed an interview in line with our Disability Confident Committed status.