Overview

United Environmental Services Ltd.  A small expanding independent ecological consultancy based in Cheshire providing comprehensive ecology services from baseline surveys to impact assessments, habitat creation and management, and expert witness advice.

Our services include but are not limited to: Preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA) /UKHab surveys, specialist botanical & NVC surveys, hedgerow assessments.  Protected species mitigation and licence applications.  Biodiversity net gain assessments (BNG), project ecology management including ecological impact assessment (EcIA) and ecology management plans.

Development and career growth through in-house training with our expert consultants along with a large range of industry accredited training courses are available.

Position

We are looking for a senior ecological consultant to join, lead and manage our ecology team based in Cheshire.  Delivering a responsive, reliable and practical ecological consultancy to our existing clients to further develop our long-established relationships.

You will have worked on large national infra-structure schemes and may have been Lead Ecologist or Environmental Manager in this capacity. You will have extensive knowledge of existing and emerging planning policy including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).   You will possess as a minimum, a level 2 Bat licence and ideally be the named ecologist on numerous European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) mitigation projects. You will possess the necessary botanical competency to confidently survey habitats to Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or National Vegetation Classification (NVC) level.

You will have the capacity to inspire and mentor colleagues and will always seek to maximise their professional fulfilment and job satisfaction; you are a leader providing high level technical support for existing members of staff.

Key tasks & responsibilities 

  • Managing the delivery of large and/or complex project work for key clients
  • Protected species surveys, mitigation and compensation design and preparation of EPSLs including the design and implementation of mitigation schemes.
  • Taking the lead role in managing key clients and commercial frameworks across the UK.
  • Proactively identifying and developing business with new clients, preparing and submitting proposals for new and existing clients, and providing technical input into large scale proposals for private and public sector clients.
  • Managing, training and mentoring a team of ecological specialists to develop technical, commercial and business developments skills.
  • Responsible for consultation, field survey work, reporting, Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and writing ecology chapters for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
  • Reports, habitat and species management planning, and conducting Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRA’s).
  • Technical review and approval of sub-contractor scopes of works and reports.
  • Mentor and support the development of junior ecologists.
  • Attend all regular meetings and ensure all relevant information is cascaded as appropriate.
  • Ensure that all appropriate paperwork is completed and distributed to relevant members of the team to ensure the smooth operation of the business.
  • Ensure that all relevant documentation is completed and filed/uploaded in accordance with company and unit procedure.
  • Be contactable during all survey periods including anti-social hours. Retain good communication with other members of the team.
  • Ensure appropriate care and maintenance of company equipment including company vehicles, bat detectors, infra-red cameras, optical equipment and office equipment in order to enable effective surveying, data capture and storage.
  • Submit weekly timesheets for the purpose of invoicing.

As an organisation operating throughout the UK you will need to enjoy exploring the country as travelling and staying away from home are a regular requirement particularly during peak season.

Essential skills and attributes

  • Understanding of and experience in Phase 1 habitat, NVC and specialist botanical surveys
  • Experience of protected species surveys and holder of a level 2 bat licence
  • Proven track record of obtaining Natural England mitigation licences
  • Excellent working knowledge of protected and invasive species as well as habitats as identified in planning policy and EU/UK legislation
  • Experience of liaising with clients and statutory bodies where required
  • Knowledge and awareness of planning policy and process in relation to ecology and biodiversity including BS 42020, UKBAP species & habitats,
  • Knowledge and awareness of the CIEEM ecological survey guidance and protected species licencing
  • Full clean driving licence and your own car although company pool vehicles are available for staff for survey work where required.
  • Minimum of 5 years relevant experience
  • Experience using GIS software for ecological purposes
  • Experience of bat sound analysis software such as Bat Explorer
  • Knowledge of current wildlife and conservation legislation
  • Experience of BREEAM Land Use & Ecology Assessment
  • Full or Associate membership of The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
  • FISC level 4
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and associated programs

Benefits/Package

  • Salary of £42,500 to £47,500 depending on experience
  • Funded professional body membership
  • 25 days holiday plus the day off for your birthday
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Childcare voucher scheme paid in addition to salary
  • Company phone and laptop
  • Training budget and progression plan
  • Opportunity to develop your career with a growing business
  • Discretionary service bonus
  • TOIL (time off in lieu) policy and flexible approach to working hours
  • Auto-enrolment pension scheme (after 3 months of service)

This is a permanent position offered on a full or part-time basis with a working split between our Knutsford office and on-site work.

Please send your application to Jenny Gibbs with a CV and covering letter to jenny@ues.org.uk.  For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 01565757788 or 07703352655