Senior Ecologist (bats, birds – home-based in Southeast England or Dorset)

Starting January 2020 or ASAP thereafter - Permanent, with three-month probationary period - Salary £30,000-40,000

Overview

CGO Ecology is a consultancy with a small team of home-based staff, and a wide network of subcontractors and associates. We need a skilled and level 2 bat-licensed ecologist, based in the Southeast or Dorset, to join our team. He/she will have proven experience obtaining bat EPS mitigation licences. Good ornithological skills and a range of other ecological expertise would be a bonus.

Role

The position is home-based, ideally in Surrey, Berkshire, or adjacent counties of Southeast England. Dorset would also be suitable. The job involves travelling to jobs across the Southeast and Dorset, sometimes the Midlands, and occasionally further afield. Overnight stays are sometimes required, particularly in the summer nocturnal bat survey season. You would coordinate and conduct surveys and mitigation for bats (PRAs, nocturnal surveys, static detectors, transects), Breeding Bird Surveys, Winter Bird Surveys, Phase 1 habitat/PEAs, and surveys for reptiles, GCN, riparian mammals, and other protected species. You must be able to write reports and licence applications to a high standard of English grammar and spelling, and deal effectively with clients, colleagues and stakeholders. You would need excellent communication skills, be physically able and prepared to work flexible and often unsociable hours with a flexi-time/TOIL system. You would need to be a self-starter, with a pragmatic outlook, who uses their initiative to resolve problems.

Essential experience/skills

  • Bat survey licence (at least CL17 level 2), experience obtaining bat mitigation licences.
  • Good ornithological skills, at least some Annex I/Schedule 1 species survey experience.
  • Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys/PEA, botanical knowledge equivalent to FISC 3 or above.
  • Full driving licence, access to own vehicle.
  • Excellent written and spoken English.
  • Highly computer-literate, including MS Office.
  • At least two years in the consultancy sector.

Desirable (non-essential) experience/skills

  • Expertise and experience in some of the following taxa and disciplines: badger, barn owl, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, GCN, invertebrates, NVC botanical surveys, otter, reptiles, water vole.
  • Competent in GIS or CAD software.
  • At least five years in the consultancy sector.
  • Degree-level education, or equivalent in professional experience and training.
  • Full or Associate member, or eligible for membership, of CIEEM.
  • Tree-climbing qualifications and experience.
  • A range of professional employment demonstrating breadth of character.

Salary/benefits

Salary £30,000-40,000. Working week 40 hours with a flexi-time/TOIL system. We reimburse reasonable expenses at cost, and mileage at 45p. We provide relevant PPE and survey equipment, pension, regular CPD/training, 24 days’ discretionary leave plus statutory holidays. We operate an Equal Opportunities policy.

Application

To apply, send a brief email to Chris Gleed-Owen , attaching a CV focusing on relevant experience, licences and qualifications. The post will be advertised until filled, starting January 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. No agencies.