Senior Ecologist

Oxford, UK

Salary : ŁNEG+

Our client is a leading ecological consultancy, having developed a reputation for producing the highest quality work. Due to them securing some exciting new projects, they are looking to appoint two Senior-level Ecologists.

Skills/experience required

• Excellent all-round consultants with particular experience of protected species and botanical or ornithological work to a high level (bats or birds licence holders will be of particular interest)
• Minimum 5 years experience
• A detailed understanding of the regulatory basis of nature conservation in the UK
• Excellent report-writing skills
• Full membership of IEEM or the ability to become a member
• A full UK driving licence
• A desire to develop your own expertise and promote high standards in ecology.
• A willingness to contribute to a supportive and creative working environment.
• An enthusiasm for challenging and rewarding project work.

The company offers an extremely competitive salary, benefits and structured career path.

Person Specification

The Senior Ecologist should:

• Be a self-motivated qualified ecologist with at least five years professional experience, including work as a consultant ecologist or regular work with ecological consultants.
• Be able to write technical reports to a high standard.
• Have experience of a good range of survey techniques and skills, be able to identify plants competently and possess identification skills in at least two other major biotic groups, or be a recognised specialist in one or more biotic groups.
• Have up to date knowledge of relevant legislation and relevant aspects of planning and be conversant with the practical application of this knowledge.
• Have a good knowledge of environmental impact assessment and biodiversity planning.
• Be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of wider relevant issues in ecology and nature conservation, and environmental issues in general.
• Have the ability and initiative to work alone and as part of a team in the office and the field and to undertake project management. In particular the senior ecologist should be able to manage the work of other people including work colleagues, sub-contractors and professionals in other disciplines.
• Be a full member of IEEM and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
• Be able to represent the practice to clients and organisations.
• Be able to actively contribute to the commercial development of the practice.

Field Skills

• Essential: A senior ecologist must have good experience of habitat and botanical survey, survey for protected species work including water voles, great crested newt and badger, or be a recognised specialist in one or more biotic groups. The senior ecologist should also be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of a wide range of standard survey methodologies covering most biotic groups and how these techniques should be applied.
• Desirable: survey experience of reptiles, white-clawed crayfish, bats, otters and other British mammals and birds.

Non-field Skills

• Essential: A senior ecologist must be able to write reports to a high standard, be able to deal with clients and third parties in a professional, discreet and effective manner and be able to present work in a scientific manner to meetings and conferences. The post also requires experience of Ecological Impact Assessment production.

The senior ecologist should be able to interpret legislation and relevant policies and have the ability to use this knowledge to make recommendations to clients. A senior ecologist should have a good understanding of the principles and practice of avoidance, mitigation and compensation in relation to impacts on features of ecological value. A senior ecologist must have a full driving licence and be able to use standard word processing and data management computer packages.

• Desirable: It would be desirable for a senior ecologist to have knowledge of EIA production, data analysis skills and experience of planning and undertaking conservation and/or research projects.

Job Specification

The principal responsibilities are as follows: -

To take day-to-day responsibility for individual contracts. This will include contract supervision / management and direct execution of work to a high level of competence and accuracy. Contract work includes fieldwork, research, report preparation and project management. To ensure that the supervising Partner or principal for each contract is kept up to date with progress of the contract. Ultimate responsibility for contract execution will reside with the Partners. To maintain and improve your skills and knowledge base as part of continuing professional development.

Duties will be principally related to contract execution, but there will be a requirement to undertake other work as follows:

• Related to contract work: attendance as required at meetings with clients and other interested parties to give advice and/or make verbal reports as necessary. Attend internal contract and practice meetings with the Partners as required.
• Keeping a detailed timesheet for billing purposes.
• Keep an up to date record of your Continuing Professional Development in accordance with IEEM guidelines.
• To implement faithfully the partnership’s policies and procedures and to report to the partners any perceived need for improvement/updating of such policies and procedures.
• To undertake work in line with the terms and conditions set out in the contract of employment.

Duties generally include all work normally covered by the above, but may also include reasonable additional or different duties which the partnership may require from time to time.

To apply for this position please e-mail your CV quoting Job Reference PMEC4894/EW to: Paul@MSAltd.uk.com.

Applications will only be accepted from candidates who possess current, valid documentation to work in the
United Kingdom.

Please visit our website for more opportunities www.MSAltd.uk.com

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