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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 licenses 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 employer: Sweco
Contact Detail:
Sweco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist
✨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!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience managing complex projects and your knack for report writing. We want to see your passion for ecology shine through, so share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the company’s recent projects and their approach to Nature Recovery and Natural Capital. We want you to come across as genuinely interested and knowledgeable about what they do, so prepare some thoughtful questions to ask them too.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s transform society together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist
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 transforming society. Share specific examples of your past experiences that highlight your passion for the field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Ecologist role. We’re looking for candidates who understand our focus on Nature Recovery and Natural Capital, so align your skills and experiences with these themes in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to highlight your key achievements and qualifications relevant to the role.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining 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 methodology 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 project managers and clients, and how you ensured best practices were followed.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge, especially around ecological data analysis and report writing. Brush up on your experience with ecological impact assessments and be ready to explain your approach to producing high-quality reports.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Mentoring
As a Principal Ecologist, you'll be inspiring and mentoring less experienced team members. Think of examples where you've supported others in their development and be ready to share how you can contribute to a positive team environment.
