Senior Ecologist (Bats – Northwest England)CGO logo large

Starting February/March 2021

Permanent, full-time

Salary £30,000+

 

Overview

CGO Ecology is recruiting a Senior Ecologist in Northwest England, ideally South Lancashire or adjacent areas (Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside). The position is home-based, with fieldwork in South Lancashire and across the region (not HS2). The successful applicant will have extensive bat survey and mitigation experience. Other areas of expertise would be a bonus. CGO Ecology has a small team of home-based staff, and a wide network of subcontractors and associates across the country. Our clients are in national and local government, education, infrastructure, minerals, and renewable energy sectors, among others.

Role

The postholder will coordinate ecological surveys and mitigation, manage staff and subcontractors, liaise with clients and officials, and write high-quality reports. They will oversee a significant bat survey workload (PRAs of buildings and trees, dusk/dawn surveys, activity transects, and static detector call analyses). They will also assist with delivery of GCN, reptile, badger, riparian mammal, breeding bird, wintering bird, invertebrate, botanical, and other types of surveys, according to their skills/experience. They will be proficient in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys/PEAs, EcIAs, and contribute to ES chapters. A high standard of English grammar and spelling is essential, as is the personality to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Due to the nature of the work, the postholder must be physically able, and prepared to work flexible and unsociable hours. They will be a self-starter with a pragmatic outlook, who uses their initiative to solve problems. Under the current Covid-19 constraints, the postholder will work from home, driving to and from survey sites. Much of the workload will be in South Lancashire, but the postholder must be prepared to travel further afield when necessary. Note this is not HS2-related.

Essential experience, skills, and qualities

  • Bat survey licence (at least CL18/level 2), previous bat mitigation licence-holder.
  • At least one other species survey licence and/or specialist skill.
  • Proficiency in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey/PEA/EcIA, with botanical ID skills equivalent to FISC 3 or above.
  • Full driving licence, own vehicle.
  • Excellent written and spoken English.
  • Highly computer-literate, including MS Office and GIS.
  • Project management skills, experience in large/complex projects.
  • Good understanding of wildlife legislation and planning processes.
  • Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach to work, strong work ethic.
  • Ability to work independently and proactively.

Desirable experience, skills, and qualities

  • Good ornithological skills, including Annex I/Schedule 1 species.
  • Expertise, licence(s), and mitigation experience in one or more of the following taxa and disciplines: badger, barn owl, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, GCN, invasive species, invertebrates, NVC surveys, otter, reptiles, water vole, wintering birds.
  • Degree-level education, or equivalent in professional experience and/or training.
  • Full or Associate member of CIEEM, or eligible for membership.
  • Tree-climbing qualifications and experience.
  • Employment history demonstrating breadth of character.

Salary/benefits

Salary £30,000+, commensurate with experience. Working week 40 hours with a flexi-time/TOIL system (extra hours worked can be banked and taken off at postholder’s discretion). We reimburse accommodation and subsistence expenses for fieldwork, and mileage at 45p for all travel away from the normal place of work. We provide necessary PPE and survey equipment, ongoing CPD/training, 24 days’ discretionary leave plus statutory holidays per year, and enrolment in the UK Government’s NEST pension scheme. We operate an Equal Opportunities policy.

Application

Please email Chris Gleed-Owen () with a CV focusing on relevant skills, experience, licences, and qualifications. The post will be advertised until filled. The postholder must be available to start in February or March 2021. Please do not apply speculatively if you do not meet the essential requirements.