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- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and ensure best practices in nature recovery and natural capital.
- Company: Join Sweco, a dynamic company with a diverse workload and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, career progression, and support for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on society while working on exciting ecological projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecology project management and a degree in related fields.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor others and gain licences for protected species work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you have what it takes to transform society? We are looking for a 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 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
- Protected species survey licence (desirable)
- Current and full driving licence and willingness to travel to sites
If you believe you have the skill set required, are keen to join a business with genuine opportunities for career progression, then we’d love to hear from you. Let’s transform society together.
Principal Ecologist in Chelmsford employer: Sweco
Contact Detail:
Sweco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecology field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Principal Ecologist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK survey methodology and recent ecological legislation. We want you to be ready to impress with your expertise and passion for the environment!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing large, complex projects and how you've successfully liaised with clients and project managers in the past. This is key for the Principal Ecologist role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ecology shine through! We want to see your curiosity and commitment to nature recovery and how you can contribute to our exciting projects.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience managing large and complex projects in the ecology sector. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in report writing and ecological assessments.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our team at Sweco.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sweco
✨Know Your Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK survey methodologies and relevant legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've managed, focusing on how you ensured best practices were followed.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to share examples of large or complex projects you've handled. Highlight your experience in liaising with clients and project managers, and how you navigated challenges to deliver high-quality ecological outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about preliminary ecological appraisals and protected species surveys. Practise explaining your report writing process, including how you ensure technical robustness and branding in your reports.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Mentoring
Since the role involves inspiring less experienced team members, think of examples where you've mentored others. Share how you fostered a collaborative environment and helped develop their skills in ecology.
