Senior Ecologist

Full Time (or minimum 4 days a week considered - pro rata)

HCUK Group is looking to recruit a Senior Ecologist, ideally based in the south-east of the UK, to join our small team to grow our ecological consultancy business within a well-established and evolving multi-disciplinary environmental practice. This role would require a mix of project management and fieldwork, to service a range of clients that are navigating the planning and development process. The role would suit someone wanting to work from home, with experience in managing the delivery of ecology projects through a framework of subcontractors and able to undertake field work where needed (e.g. UK Habitat Classification and protected species scoping surveys, bat preliminary roost assessments), to produce Preliminary Ecological Appraisals / Ecological Impact Assessment reports, and undertake BNG assessments.

We offer a varied and interesting portfolio of projects, where there is much crossover with our heritage work in relation to historic buildings. Furthermore, opportunities arise through our landscape, planning and archaeology teams, working across a range of sectors such as mixed-use, residential and commercial developments and renewables. The Senior Ecologist would benefit from working within a well-regarded, established consultancy, with an opportunity to grow their own portfolio, within a supportive, friendly environment.

The role is fully home working, with the exception of site visits/meetings. Projects can be nationwide, although the majority of our work is in London, the home counties and the southern and midlands regions, and a candidate based in these regions is preferred. HCUK Group does not have a physical office presence, although quarterly company meetings and social events are held in London.

We are looking for a candidate who will thrive and develop their career at HCUK.

The Role:

• Project management, to lead and manage ecological assessments, habitat surveys and ecological impact assessments from our wide network of supporting ecological consultancies and through direct involvement.
• Fieldwork: conduct and oversee field surveys, including protected species surveys, specialising in bat surveys.
• To produce and oversee the writing of concise, high quality, technical reports in line with CIEEM guidelines, to include PEA, EcIA, mitigation strategies and BNG Assessments.
• Ensure projects delivered through HCUK are compliant with the relevant legislation, planning policies and environmental legislation.
• To grow our framework of ecology subcontractors and continue to build and maintain these relationships to deliver a range of projects.
• Client liaison to provide good quality advice on ecological issues and build and maintain relationships with clients.
• Tendering, business development and involvement in marketing.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified with a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related discipline and full membership of CIEEM.
• Level 2 Licenced bat ecologist given the extensive crossover with the heritage sector or Level 1 with commitment to working towards a Level 2 bat licence. Interest in managing bat-related projects with a long-term vision for in-house EPSML offerings.
• Good level of proficiency in ecological surveying techniques, data analysis, and report writing, with a focus on PEA, bat surveys and BNG Assessments.
• A solid understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning regulations and environmental best practice.
• Attention to detail and committed to delivering a high quality of work.
• A full driver’s licence.
• Eligibility to work in the UK – the job is UK based.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in commercial consultancy.
• Excellent project management and delivery experience.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Named as Accredited Agent or Ecologist on bat EPS licences
• Track record of focus on bats through survey, data analysis, licence applications, providing mitigation, and supervision.
• To have a good network of contacts of other ecology consultants in your region to support management and delivery of ecology projects.
• Specialism in botany.
• A master’s degree or PhD is advantageous but not essential.
• Some GIS capability would be useful (although support will be provided).

Who You Are:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to build good relationships with colleagues and foster collaboration.
• A highly organised individual with a proactive approach and ability manage varied workload demands.
• Able to work effectively both on your own and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage workload and oversee subcontractors to meet tight deadlines.

What’s on offer?

• A great opportunity to join a new evolving area of the business, within a friendly supporting team
• An interesting role within an established, collaborative environmental practice and opportunity curate and drive the direction of the ecology offering.
• Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience
• Full time home working, with meeting and site visit attendance as required
• Travel expenses paid
• Private healthcare (post-probation)
• 5% pension contribution

HCUK Group is an equal opportunities employer.