Principal Ecologist (Based in Kent or Petersfield)

Job Description

About us:

We play a key role in the rail industry, providing a whole manner of off-track solutions, and minor civils works, in partnership with Network Rail and other major contractors.

We are also a leading Arboriculture and Forestry Contractor, with well over a decade of experience and expertise in the forestry sector. We have forged a strong industry reputation and we believe we have an unrivalled skill set and peerless knowledge of forestry work at all levels.

We have seen recent significant growth and we are proud to be a Principal Contractor and Framework Contractor to Network Rail, as well as having some exciting projects underway in woodland management, timber harvesting, rail and civils works across the country. We are seeking skilled and experienced colleagues in a range of disciplines to support our growth and help us provide a service that is second to none.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Lead on and provide expert support, training and guidance in broad aspects of ecological conservation.
* Establish and manage ecology resources within the company.
* Develop ecological management strategies, plans and budget costs alongside Environmental Manager, as required.
* Be aware of all current wildlife legislations and advise on these and habitat management requirements. Notify senior management of any changes in environmental legislation, and update company policies, procedures, etc. as and when required.
* Produce technical reports in a timely manner and to a very high standard.
* Routinely review all reports produced by colleagues and provide training and feedback.
* Lead on and undertake ecological surveying and logistics planning at a variety of sites.
* Undertake, supervise and train colleagues carrying out Preliminary Ecological Assessments (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessments (ECiAs) and Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs).
* Lead on and provide training and support for protected species surveys and reports.
* Lead on and provide training and support for ecological data collation, analysis, monitoring and reporting.
* Lead on designing, training and supporting colleagues in protected species/habitat mitigation measures. Lead on implementation, monitoring and evaluation of measures, providing periodic updates to senior management.
* Play an active role in maintaining and developing the Environmental Management System to include updating policies, documentation, and supporting at external audits.
* Mentor and support the professional development of junior ecologists, ecologists and senior ecologists within the team.
* Observe and follow all applicable safe methods of working, and health, safety and environmental rules/procedures. Report any incidents or Close Calls immediately to the appropriate person.
* Undertake training as required by your manager or the Company.
* Adhere to Company Policies and Procedures.
* Be an ambassador, upholding and reflecting the ethos and values of the Company.
* Work in accordance with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.
* Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Company.
* Work flexibly and be receptive and adaptable to a changing environment within a growing Company.

About you:

Essential:
* Postgraduate degree or diploma in Environment/Ecology-related subject.
* Full member, or qualifying for, the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
* Significant recent experience as a Senior Ecologist.
* Excellent report-writing skills with significant experience in producing reports.
* Extensive experience in managing own ecological projects from conception to completion, including working on sites requiring Phase 2 and protected species surveys, including complex sites with multiple protected species/habitats.
* Extensive experience in producing a range of ecological survey reports covering different species and habitats, including Phase 2 protected species surveys.
* Highly experienced in habitat identification using UKHab methods and botanical species identification (working at FISC level 4 as minimum).
* Detailed knowledge and understanding of current wildlife legislation and UK policy.
* Holds at least two protected species survey class licenses, to include dormice and preferably bats/GCN.
* Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
* An excellent understanding of, and application of health, safety and environment practices.
* Flexibility in your approach to work and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Physically fit and able and willing to work in inclement weather.
* Self-motivated and a team player.
* Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:
* Named ecologist on at least one and accredited agent on several mitigation licences for a protected species in the past 3 years.
* Class 2 survey licence for bats or working towards.
* Holds a PTS card.
* Experience of working in the rail industry.
* Experience in managing or developing more inexperienced colleagues.
* Experienced in working on infrastructure projects.

Naturally, you will be field-based for a significant amount of your time, so you must be happy to work in all that the British weather has to offer! Based in Hampshire and conducting field work across the southern region, the successful candidate must be flexible in their approach to work, have a full driving licence and be willing to travel.

Eden Brown is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.