Overview

Ricardo Energy & Environment is a leading sustainability consultancy combining energy, climate change, environmental and chemical risk expertise with strong IT and economics capability. Operating across the world, we work in partnership with our customers to help transform the way they work, empowering business leaders with award winning consultancy advice. With unrivalled sector insight and a reputation for producing innovative solutions, we offer a stimulating and rewarding environment in which to work.

 

Cascade is a business practice of Ricardo Energy & Environment, offering a comprehensive range of specialist services within the environmental consultancy sector. Nationally and internationally recognised for our expertise in planning and overseeing complex and sensitive projects, our skills have been utilised by a wide range of clients within the public and private sectors including the European Commission, government, water companies and developers.

 

Purpose:

An experienced Principal Ecologist is required to support and help lead our growing ecological consultancy work. The post will be based in Manchester, but will support projects throughout the UK and occasionally beyond.

 

Key accountabilities:

The role will involve project management and implementation of ecological surveys, consultation, assessment and mitigation in support of our clients’ proposals and operations. The production of high quality reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Species Reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments and ecological input to Environmental Statements will be a key feature of the role. The post-holder will be expected to apply for and oversee protected species licences for their areas of expertise. The post-holder will be expected to liaise with clients and prepare fee proposals. The post will also involve managing the technical work of more junior staff and sub-consultants, reporting to, and supported by, our Ecology Head of Function.

 

Key competencies and experience:

A first degree in a relevant subject, such as ecology or other biological sciences with a wildlife focus, and ideally a relevant postgraduate qualification.
Full membership of CIEEM, and chartered or eligible for chartership (e.g. CEnv or CEcol)
Relevant experience in ecological impact assessment in support of EIA
Experience of planning and conducting ecological surveys, including Phase 1 habitat survey and protected species surveys and providing mitigation recommendations.
At least one protected species survey licence.
Experience of applying for and holding licences for protected species mitigation/conservation.
Excellent report writing skills, including survey reports and Environmental Statement chapters
An excellent understanding of wildlife legislation, the planning process, EIA and Habitats Regulations Assessment.
A track-record of successful ecology project management.
Significant experience in the preparation of ecology proposals and tenders.
Experience of ecological assessment for the water sector would be an advantage.
Public Inquiry experience would be an advantage.
Experience of line-management and/or staff mentoring would be an advantage.
A full UK driver’s license would also be an advantage.
Skills and behaviours:

The post-holder must be a self-starter, working in a small and very busy team. Excellent team working skills are therefore essential together with strong communication and leadership skills, sound understanding of ecological impact assessment and a close attention to detail. Whilst fieldwork skills are important for this role, there will be a large component of coordination, data presentation and report writing.

 

This is a fast-paced and challenging environment offering you the opportunity to make your mark. You will have support from the wider business for your career to develop into a wide range of future opportunities within Ricardo Energy & Environment.

 

In return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer an attractive benefits package, a personal development plan, and the opportunity to make a difference in a challenging and rewarding field.  Ricardo Energy & Environment is an equal opportunities employer.