Senior Ecologist (Level 2 bat-licensed)

CGO Ecology Ltd - www.cgoecology.com

Starting ASAP/March 2021

Advertised until filled

Permanent, full-time

Salary up to £40,000

 

Overview

CGO Ecology is recruiting a Senior Ecologist (level 2/CL18 bat-licensed), to be home-based in the Midlands or Southeast England. The successful applicant will be conducting surveys, and managing projects across Britain. They will have extensive bat survey and mitigation experience (named ecologist within last 3yrs), and ideally at least one other survey licence. CGO Ecology has a small team of home-based staff, with a wide network of subcontractors and associates across the country. Our wide range of clients are in national and local government, infrastructure, minerals, education, construction, and renewable energy. We are not involved with HS2.

Role

The postholder will coordinate ecological surveys and mitigation, manage staff and subcontractors, liaise with clients and authorities, and write high-quality reports. They will conduct bat surveys (PRAs of buildings and trees, dusk/dawn surveys, activity transects, static detector call analyses) and mitigation (licence applications, implementation, supervision, monitoring). They will also conduct Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, and may assist with performing or coordination of GCN, reptile, badger, water vole, otter, dormouse, breeding bird, wintering bird, invertebrate, botanical, and other types of surveys, in line with their skills and experience. They will be proficient in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys/PEAs, with a high standard of English grammar and spelling, and the ability 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. A driving licence and own vehicle is essential for driving to and from survey sites.

Essential experience, skills, and qualities

  • Bat survey licence (CL18/level 2), named ecology on at least one bat mitigation licence within the last three years.
  • Proficiency in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey/PEA/EcIA, with adequate botanical ID skills.
  • Full driving licence, own vehicle.
  • Excellent written and spoken English.
  • Highly computer-literate, including MS Office.
  • Project management skills.
  • Good knowledge of wildlife legislation and planning processes.
  • Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach to work, strong work ethic.
  • Ability to work independently and proactively.
  • Good internet connection for video meetings and large file download.

Desirable experience, skills, and qualities

  • At least one other species survey licence and/or specialist skill.
  • Survey and mitigation experience in two or more of the following taxa and disciplines: badger, barn owl, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, GCN, invasive species, invertebrates, NVC, otter, reptiles, water vole, wintering birds.
  • Full or Associate member of CIEEM, or eligibility for membership.
  • Familiar with UKHab and Defra BNG Metric 2.0.
  • Proficiency in QGIS or another GIS platform.

Salary/benefits

Salary up to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience and location. Working week 40 hours, with 32 days’ leave per year including statutory holidays, and flexi-time/TOIL (overtime banked and taken off as additional leave). We reimburse home-office costs, accommodation and subsistence expenses for fieldwork, and pay mileage at 45p for travel. We provide PPE and survey equipment, ongoing CPD/training, and enrolment in the UK Government’s NEST pension scheme at 3% employer contribution. We operate an Equal Opportunities policy.

Application

Please email Chris Gleed-Owen (), stating the post you are applying for, attaching a CV highlighting relevant skills, experience, and licences. Interview will be by informal Zoom meeting. The post will be advertised until filled, to start as soon as possible in March 2021.