Overview

Full time position. Start date May 2017.

Ecologist

We are looking for a confident and experienced Ecologist to join our team of consultants at our main Southern Office in Farnham, Surrey.

Darwin Ecology Ltd is a small team of highly skilled ecologists who provide a complete range of ecological surveys and contracting services across the South and South West regions. We work on a wide range of projects from small extensions to large multi phase housing developments including National infrastructure projects.

We pride ourselves on a professional, solution focused approach combined with a strong conservation ethic. Excellent survey standards, effective mitigation and enhancements are at the core of all of our projects. We are a fun and flexible team with a strong work ethic.

The successful candidate must share our passion for ecology and conservation, be enthusiastic, self-motivated and reliable, confident working independently and an inspiring member of our team.

Responsibilities

The role will be based at our Southern Office in Farnham, Surrey with some scope for flexible working patterns and home working especially during summer months.

The successful candidate will:

Be a core member of the southern team whilst working in collaboration with the South West team, which is led by Director Mike Cummings.
Oversee regional projects, organising and carrying out ecological surveys and producing a range of reports including protected species licence applications.
Be expected to prepare, manage and execute large and small scale ecological survey and mitigation projects: Mitigation, habitat creation and restoration; Letters of report and Ecological Survey Reports, Environmental Impact Assessments and Natural England Licences, Habitat Surveys; Phase 1 Habitat Assessment, National Vegetation Classification, SSSI Condition Assessments and Tree Surveys.
Undertake protected species survey work including out of hours survey work.
Work in collaboration with the team to design ecological enhancement schemes and effective species mitigation works.
Liaise with clients, organisations and sub-contractors on behalf of Darwin Ecology. The successful candidate will have responsibility for ensuring that advice and recommendations arising from surveys are communicated clearly to clients both verbally and through written reports.
Business management duties will include: writing fee proposals and tenders, financial management, marketing and general office management.

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

A degree in ecology or a related subject, have post-graduation experience in ecology within a consultancy environment, and have extensive experience in a range of habitat and field surveys, analysing and interpreting data and writing professional reports.
Appropriate protected species surveys licences (bats, great crested newts, dormice etc).
Should be able to demonstrate understanding of the consultant’s role and commercial competency.
A good understanding of the planning process and of appropriate mitigation strategies will be necessary.
Applicants should have membership of CIEEM.
Proven success of working in a team environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Ability to work on multiple projects.
Applicants will need to hold a UK driving licence, have their own vehicle, be prepared to travel to different sites and to work ecology survey hours.

Desirable

Named Ecologist on Protected species licenses.
Registered Consultant for BLICL
A valid CSCS carder Rail Card
GIS skills
Practical ecological mitigation skills

What do we offer?

Salary is competitive and negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.
23 days annual leave
Apple Mac Laptop and iPhone
Flexible working hours and TOIL
Flexible and friendly working environment
Serviced office in rural area on the outskirts of Farnham (Sandy).

Applications

Please send a CV, detailing relevant skills and experience and a covering letter to Director Mike Cummings: mike@darwin-ecology.co.uk

Closing date flexible, interviews will be arranged upon receipt of suitable applications.