CGO Ecology recently became a corporate sponsor of the Great Bustard Group, a conservation charity working to reintroduce great bustards to the UK. The great bustard – the world’s heaviest flying bird – was one of Britain’s favourite birds but was hunted to extinction in the 19^th century. The charity was founded in 1998 to establish a self-sustaining population in the wild, and they achieved this aim in 2019. They now have a population of around 100 birds which they are working hard to safeguard and grow.

Director of CGO Ecology, Chris Gleed-Owen, says of the sponsorship: “The work this charity is doing to look after these iconic birds is brilliant, and hopefully our sponsorship will go some way to grow and develop their ethical captive breeding programme. I like to support small projects where possible as our money goes a long way, plus they are located near Salisbury so just a stone’s throw from CGO Ecology’s HQ.” CGO is in good company – the charity has some notable corporate sponsors and is also supported by HRH The Prince of Wales, their Patron. 

In January, Chris took his son Archie, 6, to visit the site. They were treated to a personalised tour, and saw around 15 bustards in the field. Archie particularly enjoyed meeting Fergus, an injured great bustard who lives with David and Karen Waters, founders of the Great Bustard Group. Archie came home buzzing with lots of bustard facts and a handful of huge feathers. 

David Waters says: "The Great Bustard Group (GBG) raises all the project costs itself and sponsorship from businesses and organisations like CGO Ecology contributes a significant sum to the total. The habitat created and managed by the GBG benefits many other species in addition to the great bustards – grey partridge, stone curlew, corn bunting and quail all bred on our reserve."

To find out more about the Great Bustard Group or to offer corporate sponsorship, visit greatbustard.org.

Photo credits: 1,3,5,6 - GBG, 2,4 - CGO.

Senior Ecologist (ideally level 2 bat-licensed)

CGO Ecology Ltd - www.cgoecology.com

Starting: ASAP in autumn/winter 2021

Closing date: Friday 22^nd October 2021

Permanent, full-time (part-time considered for the right candidate)

Salary: £28,000 to £40,000 (pro rata for p/t)

Apply to: Chris Gleed-Owen

Overview

CGO Ecology is a small, friendly consultancy that enjoys a good reputation for delivering a reliable, high-quality service. We are recruiting a Senior Ecologist to be home-based in Southeast England or the English Midlands. We operate mainly by a network of associates. Our clients are primarily central government departments, but also local government and the private sector, from construction to renewable energy.

Role

The successful applicant will manage survey and mitigation projects across Britain, and conduct species and habitat surveys. They will have extensive protected species survey and mitigation experience, with at least one survey licence (ideally level 2/CL18 bats) and able to apply for mitigation licences.

The postholder will lead surveys, write survey reports with excellent English spelling and grammar, coordinate all aspects of projects, manage staff and subconsultants, and liaise with colleagues, clients and authorities effectively. They will have a pragmatic problem-solving outlook.

Essential experience, skills, and qualities

• At least one Natural England survey licence.
• Proficiency in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey/PEA, phase 2 species surveys, EcIA.
• Good project-management and people-management skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Highly computer-literate, including MS Office.
• Good knowledge of wildlife legislation, planning process, and conservation policy.
• Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach to work, strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Due to the nature of the work, the postholder must be physically able.
• Prepared to work flexible and sometimes unsociable hours.
• Full driving licence and own vehicle.

Desirable experience, skills, and qualities

• Level 2/CL18 bat survey licence.
• Proficiency in several of the following: badger, barn owl, botany/NVC, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, GCN, Invasive Non-Native Species, UKHab, otter, reptiles, specialist invertebrate groups, water vole, wintering birds, white-clawed crayfish.
• Survey licences in Scotland and/or Wales.
• Full or Associate member of CIEEM, or eligibility for membership.
• Proficiency in UKHab
• Proficiency in Biodiversity Metric 3.0.
• Proficiency in BREEAM.

Salary/benefits

Salary £28,000 to £40,000 per annum (pro rata for part-time), depending on credentials and location. Normal working week 40 hours, with 32 days’ leave per year (24 days discretionary, 8 days statutory holidays). Flexi-time/TOIL arrangement, self-managed by employee. We reimburse home-office costs, costs associated with fieldwork, including mileage at 45p. We provide necessary PPE and survey equipment, regular CPD/training, a healthy employee-employer relationship, and enrolment in the UK Government’s NEST pension scheme. We operate an Equal Opportunities policy.

Application

Please email Chris Gleed-Owen (), attaching a CV highlighting relevant skills, experience, and licences. Feel free to ask any questions about the role and our clients at the point of application. Interview will be by informal online meeting or in person where practicable. The post will be advertised until filled, to start as soon as possible in autumn/winter 2021.

CGO Ecology Ltd - www.cgoecology.com

Starting: ASAP/spring 2021

Closing date: advertised until filled

Permanent, full-time or part-time

Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 (pro rata for p/t)

Apply to: Chris Gleed-Owen

Overview

CGO Ecology is a small, friendly consultancy that enjoys a good reputation for delivering a high-quality service, on time and in budget. We are recruiting a Senior Ecologist (level 2/CL18 bat-licensed), to be home-based in England. The successful applicant will lead on licensed bat mitigation, manage projects across Britain, and lead surveys. They will have extensive bat survey and mitigation experience (named ecologist within the last three years). CGO Ecology has a small team of home-based staff, and a nationwide network of associates. Our clients range from central and local government, to infrastructure, minerals, education, construction, and renewable energy. We are not involved with HS2.

Role

The postholder will write bat survey reports, analyse data, coordinate bat and other ecological surveys and mitigation, manage staff and subconsultants, and liaise with clients and authorities. They will manage and conduct bat surveys (PRAs of buildings, structures and trees, emergence/re-entry surveys, activity transects, static detectors) and bat mitigation (licence applications, supervision, provisions, monitoring). They will also conduct Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, and assist with other types of ecological survey, according to their skills and experience. They will be an excellent communicator, with an 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. As bat-handling is part of the job, they must have up-to-date rabies vaccination.

Essential experience, skills, and qualities

• Level 2 (CL18) Natural England bat survey licence, and named ecology on at least one bat mitigation licence within the last three years.
• Proficiency in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey/PEA/EcIA, with good 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 process.
• Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach to work, strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.

Desirable experience, skills, and qualities

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

Salary/benefits

Salary £30,000 to £40,000 per annum (pro rata for part-time), depending on credentials 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 (), 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 spring 2021.

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.

Ecologist or Senior Ecologist (Bat-licensed)

CGO Ecology Ltd - www.cgoecology.com

Starting ASAP February/March 2021

Permanent, full-time

Salary £25,000 to £35,000

Overview

CGO Ecology is recruiting an Ecologist or Senior Ecologist (level 2/CL18 bat-licensed), to be home-based, potentially anywhere in the country. The successful applicant will be managing projects across Britain, and conducting fieldwork for our diverse client base. They will have extensive survey and mitigation experience, 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 clients are mainly in national and local government, education, infrastructure, minerals, construction, and renewable energy.

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 assist with delivery 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), previous bat mitigation licence(s).
• 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.
• Proficiency in QGIS or another GIS platform.

Salary/benefits

Salary from £25,000 for Ecologist, up to £35,000 for Senior Ecologist, depending on experience. 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 which post you are applying for, attaching a CV highlighting relevant skills, experience, and licences. Interview will be by informal Zoom meeting. The position will be advertised until filled, and start as soon as possible in February or March 2021.