At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological strategy and compliance on exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join VolkerFitzpatrick, a leader in civil engineering and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical care, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while working on major projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science and extensive project experience required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Volker Fitzpatrick offers a range and depth of civil engineering, infrastructure and building services.
We contribute to vital parts of the nation's life through projects of strategic importance, while delivering those less visible, yet essential, works required by both private and public sectors.
We build, renew, maintain highways, airports, railway infrastructure, and commercial, industrial and educational buildings.
We have a fantastic new opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join our Volker Fitzpatrick Business, supporting on multiple projects.
The Principal Ecologist is responsible for leading ecological strategy, risk management and compliance across Volker Fitzpatrick's construction and civil engineering projects.
The role provides senior technical expertise, ensuring projects meet legislative, client, and environmental obligations, while driving best practice and biodiversity enhancement across the business.
About you
- Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related field.
- Full Membership of CIEEM (essential).
- Extensive experience leading ecology on major construction or civil engineering projects.
- Strong understanding of UK wildlife legislation, protected species licensing and planning requirements.
- Experienced in large-scale impact assessments and complex mitigation design.
- CSCS card (or ability to obtain).
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Technical competencies expected of the role
- Accomplished competency in UK Habs assessment.
- Accomplished competency in Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Accomplished competency in the production of PEA reports, PMWs, Ec IAs and Biodiversity Chapters for Environmental Statements (ES) and HRAs.
- Accomplished competency in design of mitigation measures.
- Has been named on a mitigation licence and has led the implementation of one or more mitigation licences.
- Accomplished competency in protected species identification and survey.
- Accomplished understanding of UK legislation relating to protected species and habitats and application in typical projects.
- Has an excellent knowledge of the UK legislation relating to protected species and habitats.
If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?
Volker Fitzpatrick is under the umbrella of Volker Wessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.
By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within Volker Wessels UK, Volker Fitzpatrick are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.
We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.
We offer a range of benefits, including
- Competitive salary
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Private medical care
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
- Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
- Flexible working opportunities
- Employee Assistance programme
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
- Fairness, inclusion and respect
We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect.
So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, Volker Wessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
Additional information
Note for Recruitment Agencies
Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.
Volker Wessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.
Principal Ecologist in Birmingham employer: Volkerrail Group
VolkerWessels UK is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture in Hoddesdon that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to impactful HR initiatives. With a commitment to integrity and accuracy, the company provides a supportive environment where your insights directly influence business decisions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Ecologist in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Volkerrail Group.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Volkerrail Group and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Ecologist in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Volkerrail Group.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Volkerrail Group will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Principal Ecologist at Volkerrail Group. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volkerrail Group
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Volkerrail Group, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Volkerrail Group that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.