Ecologist / Senior Ecologist

Ecologist/Senior Ecologist, Midlands, remote working, £30,000 - £45,000 - 4-day week

Croft Ecology are a small but fast-growing Ecology Consultancy based in South Leicestershire, and operating across the Midlands and occasionally further afield. Specialising in small to medium-sized developments, we offer a broad range of ecological services, from PEAs and BNG reports to Protected Species Surveys, PRAs, EcIAs, mitigation licences and similar.

As a modern, family-oriented business, we understand that life happens (frequently!), so we have built flexibility into our operations. A positive work-life balance is baked in, as the business operates 4 days per week (Mon-Thu), with colleagues working 32 hours over 4 days, for a typical full-time salary.

We are seeking a full-time Ecologist and/or Senior Ecologist to join our expanding team, to assist with delivering a friendly, professional ecology service to our growing customer base.

Croft Ecology are committed to ongoing professional development and are happy to consider applicants keen to step up to (or from) ecologist roles, or those looking to gain experience on a temporary basis initially.

Roles Overview

As an Ecologist or Senior Ecologist, you will play a key role in assisting with or leading ecological surveys, assessments, and habitat management plans, supporting our Principal Ecologist and Director of Ecology in the preparation and delivery of a range of interesting projects.

Core responsibilities include:

• Conducting field surveys, including UK Hab Surveys/Phase 1 habitat surveys, protected species surveys, and BNG condition assessments
• Producing ecology reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, BNG Reports, Preliminary Roost Assessments, Protected Species reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, Protected Species Licence Applications and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans
• Using QGIS and Coreo to produce habitat maps and BNG calculations
• Advising clients on ecological constraints and opportunities within their projects
• Contributing to biodiversity enhancement plans and habitat restoration schemes
• Liaising with clients, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental legislation
• Staying up to date with best practice in the ecology sector and contributing to the company’s growth and development

Candidate Profile

Applicants for the Ecologist and Senior Ecologist roles must be willing and able to work from home, preferably located within an hour or so of a number of Midlands Counties, and will ideally have the following:

• A degree in a relevant science or a closely related field, or equivalent experience
• Eligibility for CIEEM Membership
• Relevant professional ecological experience
• Knowledge and experience of assisting with and leading UK Habitat Classification Surveys and protected species surveys
• Botanical & Habitat Skills: ability to correctly identify habitats with good botanical identification skills
• Experience in producing BNG Assessments and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans
• Experience in the use of GIS mapping software, preferably QGIS
• Ability to write clear and concise reports
• A broad skillset, ideally holding at least one protected species licence
• A thorough understanding of UK legislation, planning policy and best practice
• Experience in supporting or leading projects and being client-facing; able to provide clear advice at the concept/design stage and supporting clients through planning and implementation
• A full driving licence and your own car

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits with these roles, to include:

• £30,000 - £45,000 salary
• 4-day (32 hrs) week
• Flexible remote/home working with regular in-person catch ups
• Training opportunities
• 20 days (5 weeks) Annual Leave (rising over time) plus Bank Holidays
• Bonus Birthday off!
• Flexible TOIL arrangements for those busy summer months
• Contributory pension
• Discretionary bonus