Ecologist

Job description

About

Your new company

You will be joining a growing, independent ecological consultancy based in Bristol, providing high-quality ecological advice and surveys across the South West and beyond. The business supports a varied portfolio of projects, including residential, commercial, infrastructure, listed building and rural schemes, working closely with developers, architects, planning consultants, land agents and contractors.With a strong focus on practical ecological solutions and Biodiversity Net Gain, you will be joining a supportive, friendly team where quality, communication and professional development are genuinely valued. The consultancy is also a CIEEM Registered Practice, as shown in the supplied recruitment material.

Your new role

As a Consultant Ecologist, you will work across a diverse range of projects throughout Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire and the wider South West.

This is a varied consultancy position offering the opportunity to get involved across the project lifecycle, combining fieldwork with reporting, assessment and client-facing responsibilities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs) and habitat surveys
• Carrying out protected species surveys, including opportunities to work across a variety of UK species
• Supporting and undertaking Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs)
• Contributing to Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) where appropriate
• Supporting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and associated project work
• Producing clear, high-quality ecological reports and recommendations
• Providing practical ecological advice to clients throughout the planning and development process
• Working alongside colleagues on a varied portfolio of projects across the South West
• Supporting junior members of the team as your experience develops

What you'll need to succeed

You will already have experience working within ecology, ideally within an ecological or environmental consultancy environment, and be comfortable undertaking a mixture of fieldwork and technical reporting.

Ideally, you will have:

• Relevant professional experience within ecology
• Good knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and ecological best practice
• Experience undertaking PEAs and UKHab/habitat surveys
• Experience with protected species surveys
• Strong technical report-writing skills
• An understanding of BNG and the planning system
• Membership of CIEEM, or eligibility to work towards membership
• One or more protected species survey licences would be advantageous
• A full UK driving licence
• The ability to manage your own workload while contributing effectively to a close-knit team

What you'll get in return

• £30,000 - £35,000 salary depending on experience
• Diverse and interesting ecological projects
• Exposure to projects across Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire and the wider South West
• A supportive and friendly working environment
• Genuine professional development and career progression
• Opportunities to develop your protected species and technical expertise
• Exposure to BNG, EcIA, HRA and wider ecological consultancy work
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes
• A positive approach to work/life balance
• The opportunity to join a growing independent consultancy at an exciting stage of its development

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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