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 (chris@cgoecology.com), 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.