Overview

We currently have an opportunity for a Consultant level Ecologist within our Ecology team, based in our Carlisle
office. We are seeking an Ecologist who is desirably a Chartered member of IEEM, IEMA or other recognised Ecology based professional body, or who has made significant progress toward this achievement. The candidate will have experience of carrying out Phase 1 and extended habitat surveys; negotiating and applying for environmental consents and licensing in relation to gaining planning permission for development sites and ideally have site supervision experience as an ECoW. The successful candidate will be part of our growing Ecology team in Cumbria which sits within our UK wide Environment sector.

Location

This role will be based in our office in Carlisle.  However, travelling may be required to other Capita offices or Client offices.

Key Responsibilities

Line Management

The post is not expected to include line management responsibilities initially but this may change depending on the success of the service and the demand for support.
Professional and Technical Responsibilities

Advice, information and assistance on a range of ecological issues directly to clients or through the commissioning of appropriate consultants as sub-contractors;
Advice to colleagues on developments, key contacts and technical aspects of work in the development sector.
Desire to work towards achieving protected species licenses, ideally bats and/or great crested newts
Operational Responsibilities

Business development, including identifying and approaching existing and key potential clients in order to promote ecology services and alerting colleagues within Capita to opportunities as appropriate;
Identification of required services, skills and the appropriate personnel to provide them, whether within Capita or from external agencies and businesses;
Bid support, including the development and maintenance of databases of appropriate skills and other contacts, bid templates, text, photos and case studies;
The maintenance of databases of relevant ecological information and sources of information.
Project & Programme Management

Awareness of Project Management, including assistance with assembling project teams and subsequent management of resources, finances and procedures (eg. Business management System, CDM and/or quality control) and client management;
Project management to ensure that ecological services generally are being delivered to the client’s satisfaction – on time, within budget and to the required quality standards;
Client liaison on individual projects as appropriate.
Other Responsibilities

Contributing to business planning activities, as appropriate;
Contributing to business improvement initiatives, as appropriate.
Essential Experience/Skills

Degree in ecology or related subject
At least 2 years professional experience
Natural England survey licence(s)
Full membership (or eligibility for full membership) of IEEM
Broad field ecology experience including protected species surveys
Understanding of and experience in extended Phase 1 Habitat and botanical surveys
Good working knowledge of wildlife and conservation legislation
Excellent report writing and communication skills
Driving Licence
Enthusiasm to deliver professional services and expand this area of work
Experience of working on Environmental Impact Assessments
Desirable Experience/Skills

Experience within a consultancy or similar area
Licenses to handle protected species in particular bats, great crested newts and/or Natterjack toads
A post-graduate degree in ecology or related field
Experience of CEEQUAL, BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes Assessments
Public Inquiry experience (as expert witness)
Team management skills
Project management skills
Expected Behaviours

As part of our partnership objectives in line with our values, we ask all our staff to:

Lead by example;
Encourage, nurture and mentor junior members of staff;
Be open and honest;
Demonstrate respect for colleagues and a strong team working ethic;
Demonstrate a sense of pride in a job well done;
Act professionally and in accordance with relevant professional bodies codes of conduct
Focus on solutions rather than problems.
Personal Attibutes

Capable of mentoring junior members of staff
Assists Team Leader on team building
Remuneration Package

37.5 hours a week
Annual leave – negotiable, but typically 25 days
The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop their career within Capita including support for obtaining further relevant professional qualifications.
Access to many Capita Group benefits including payment of one relevant professional subscription, Cycle to Work Scheme, discounted retail vouchers, various private insurance schemes.