Senior/Principal Ecologist in Chelmsford

Senior/Principal Ecologist in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Full-Time 40000 - 50000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sweco UK Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead ecological projects and ensure best practices in nature recovery.
  • Company: Join Sweco, a dynamic company focused on transforming society.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with genuine opportunities for career progression.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on nature recovery while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in ecology project management and strong report writing skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.

We are looking for a Senior/Principal Ecologist who is enthusiastic, curious and looking for that next challenge. This role can be worked flexibly with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office/on site and the option of adjusted start and finish times. We have an amazing opportunity to be a key part of driving our strategies with regards to Nature Recovery, BNG and Natural Capital.

This is an exciting time to join Sweco and if you want to be part of a company who is small in all the best ways but large enough to provide a diverse and exciting workload, this job is for you.

What does the role involve? As a Senior/Principal Ecologist you’ll manage all ecological aspects of projects ensuring best practice is embedded throughout our processes and we’re delivering to a high standard. You’ll prepare competitive bids and tenders, manage site surveys and approve ecology proposals and reports for both technical robustness and branding.

Role responsibilities may include:

  • Managing large/complex projects
  • Liaising with project managers and clients on the delivery of ecological requirements within multi-disciplinary tenders and projects
  • Undertaking desk studies and site based preliminary ecological appraisals, including detailed habitat surveys to accurately describe and map habitats and assess their potential to support notable/protected species
  • Analysis, evaluation, interpretation and presentation of ecological data
  • Technical report writing including production of preliminary ecological appraisal reports, ecological impact assessments, and protected species licence applications
  • Performing the role of an Ecological Clerk of Works on construction projects

In return you’ll get to work on key projects, and we’ll provide the support and development you need as you work towards gaining licences to work with different protected species.

To be successful in this role you’ll have:

  • Experience in managing large/complex projects in the ecology sector within a professional consultancy
  • A passion for inspiring and mentoring less experienced team members
  • A thorough understanding of UK survey methodology following relevant legislation, guidelines and best practice.
  • Experience conducting preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA), protected species surveys and/or habitat surveys
  • Report writing experience including PEA reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, HRA’s and protected species licences
  • A degree in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences or a related discipline
  • CIEEM membership
  • Eligible for CEnv/CEcol
  • Current and full driving licence and willingness to travel to sites

What's in it for you? Working at Sweco you’ll experience an inclusive, friendly, and flexible working environment where colleagues are encouraged to grow and develop, you’ll be supported with external training where necessary. You’ll be part of a meaningful mission to transform society by being a trusted consultant to our clients.

If you believe you have the skill set required and are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, then we’d love to hear from you.

Employee Benefits:

  • Flexible and hybrid working (Flexworks Policy)
  • Competitive pension contribution
  • Life Assurance
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Company car or car allowance (principal level)
  • Discretionary Annual Bonus Scheme
  • Payment of two relevant professional subscriptions
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year).
  • Cycle2Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, financial and work advice).
  • Employee discounts via Sweco Benefit Select (Faircare)
  • Salary Sacrifice Electric Vehicle Scheme
  • We plant a tree for all new starters!

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: It’s important to us that all our colleagues thrive at work - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects the contribution individuals can bring to Sweco. We aim to promote equality, inclusivity and diversity for everyone.

Here at Sweco we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity.

We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. We are an accredited Real Living Wage Employer which reflects our commitment to fair pay and support for all colleagues. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer, and will interview applicants covered by the Equality Act 2010 that opt into the guaranteed interview scheme on the application form and meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Let’s work together to transform society.

Senior/Principal Ecologist in Chelmsford employer: Sweco UK Ltd

At Sweco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, where flexibility and personal growth are at the forefront. As a Senior/Principal Ecologist, you'll not only engage in impactful projects but also benefit from comprehensive training, competitive benefits, and a commitment to your professional development, all while contributing to our mission of transforming society for the better.

Sweco UK Ltd

Contact Detail:

Sweco UK Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Ecologist in Chelmsford

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the ecology field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience managing complex projects and your knack for report writing. Bring along examples of your work or even a portfolio if you have one. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework before any interview! Research Sweco’s projects and values, and think about how your skills align with their mission to transform society. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in what we do, so show us you’re excited about the role!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Sweco. Let’s work together to make a difference!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Ecologist in Chelmsford

Project Management
Ecological Survey Methodology
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
Protected Species Surveys
Habitat Surveys
Technical Report Writing
Ecological Impact Assessments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in nature recovery and how you can contribute to our mission at Sweco.

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience managing large projects and conducting ecological surveys. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of Senior/Principal Ecologist!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language when discussing your skills and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our team.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sweco UK Ltd

Know Your Ecology Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK survey methodologies and relevant legislation. Be prepared to discuss your experience with preliminary ecological appraisals and protected species surveys, as these will likely come up during the interview.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Since managing large and complex projects is a key part of the role, think of specific examples where you've successfully led such projects. Highlight your ability to liaise with clients and project managers, and how you ensured best practices were followed.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to answer technical questions related to ecological data analysis and report writing. Familiarise yourself with the types of reports you'll be expected to produce, like Ecological Impact Assessments, and be ready to discuss your approach to these tasks.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Mentoring

As a Senior/Principal Ecologist, you'll be inspiring and mentoring less experienced team members. Think of ways you've supported colleagues in the past and be ready to share those experiences, showing your enthusiasm for developing others in the field.