Senior Ecologist - Scotland, United Kingdom - Wild Surveys Ltd

Description

Wild Surveys is an ecological consultancy based in Renfrew, providing services and support across Scotland to a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from government bodies and nationwide construction companies, to small scale projects for private homeowners.

We are currently welcoming applications from experienced senior ecologists to join our team on a full time and permanent basis. Flexible working arrangements will also be considered for applicants who wish to be employed on a part time basis.

As part of this role, you will be expected to:

• Conduct ecological surveys and assessments across various locations in the UK, predominantly Scotland, ensuring compliance with project requirements and deadlines.
• Lead and coordinate fieldwork activities, including habitat assessments, species surveys, and ecological monitoring programs.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on ecological issues, legislation, and best practice guidelines to clients and project teams.
• Prepare detailed ecological reports, management plans, and ecological impact assessments, presenting findings and recommendations clearly and accurately.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, clients, public and other interested parties, always representing the company professionally.
• Mentor and support junior staff members, providing training, guidance, and supervision as required.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposal writing, client meetings, and networking events, to secure new projects and opportunities.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and developments in the field of ecology, incorporating new knowledge and techniques into project work where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate project records, data, and documentation in accordance with company procedures and standards.
• Flexibility in working hours, particularly during the bat and GCN survey season, with occasional periods away from home.
• Assist in preparing and submitting fee proposals, ensuring accuracy and adherence to client needs.
• Monitor projects for quality assurance purposes, as delegated by senior management.
• Undertake project management with responsibility for meeting deliverable deadlines.

The role will include aspects of both field and desk work, and therefore living within a reasonable commuting distance of our head office in Renfrew is essential . A portion of our work every year also involves carrying out bat emergence surveys and great crested newt surveys and therefore a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to work outside sociable hours is required; as is being a confident driver and holding a full valid driving licence.

Essential:

• Relevant degree(s) in a related field and/or relevant experience;
• Up-to-date and in-depth knowledge and understanding of ecology related legislation and policy and its practical application in Scotland. This should include an understanding of species protection legislation and licensing requirements, as well as an understanding of statutory designated sites and associated legislation and processes;
• Sound knowledge of ecological survey/assessment methods, including good habitat survey and classification skills in a broad range of environments, using widely recognised classification systems;
• Good species identification skills across a range of taxonomic groups;
• Understanding of the application of the mitigation hierarchy in the licence application process.
• Familiarity with NPF4 and Biodiversity Net Gain;
• Experience with QGIS;
• CIEEM Membership;
• Full, clean, UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• A licence holder for one or more protected species, in particular for bats, great crested newts and/or badgers;
• Named ecologist on one or more EPS mitigation/disturbance licences;
• EIA & EcIA experience
• ECoW experience
• Ecological enhancement experience

Benefits of working with Wild Surveys Ltd:

• Competitive salary;
• Increased rate of pay when working unsociable hours;
• Increasing holiday entitlement for every year of service;
• CPD sessions organised for all staff throughout the year;
• Opportunities to develop your career.

Salary:

£28k to £35k pro-rata depending on experience.

How to apply:

Please forward your CV and cover letter by email to

Please clearly state in your application when you are available to start, and where you are based.

We will be in touch with you after having reviewed your application.