Ecologist | Suffolk

Overview

Line Manager Job Title: Directors
Location: Home-based with regular attendance at the Homersfield, Suffolk office and field work across East Anglia.
Contract Permanent following successful completion of Probationary Period
Salary/Hours Full Time 37.5 Hours per week
From £27 000
Pro rata dependent on hours and experience

About Us
We are a small but well-established environmental consultancy based in the heart of the Waveney valley. Our varied project portfolios support a diverse range of clients from private homeowners, planning agents and architects to multi-disciplinary engineering consultancies, utilities providers, public sector bodies and wildlife charities. We provide bespoke consultancy services to support project planning and consultation, as well as specialist mitigation and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) roles.

Role Purpose
To deliver high quality ecological surveys, assessments and reports, manage allocated tasks and clients, and support the development of Graduate/Assistant Ecologists. This role represents the first level of full professional independence within MHE Consulting.

Key Responsibilities

Survey Delivery
➢ Plan and undertake protected species and habitat surveys
➢ Scope survey requirements and prepare equipment and resources
➢ Act as lead surveyor on allocated projects
➢ Liaise directly with landowners and clients regarding survey access and logistics
➢ Coordinate survey arrangements with colleagues as required

Data Management
➢ Accurately record, process and manage ecological data
➢ Use spreadsheets and GIS to analyse and present survey information
➢ Review and interpret trail camera, thermal imaging and sound files
➢ Produce high-quality figures, plans and mapping outputs
➢ Maintain organised project records

Reporting
➢ Independently draft (with support where required):
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
• Method Statements
• Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs)
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Reports
➢ Prepare clear, professional and technically accurate reports
➢ Respond to client and stakeholder queries on own reports
➢ Undertake Biodiversity Metric Assessments

Mitigation & ECoW
➢ Plan and undertake ecological mitigation works and provide Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) services
➢ Ensure compliance with licences and method statements

Team Contribution
➢ Provide day-to-day guidance to Graduate/Assistant Ecologists
➢ Support training and mentoring of junior staff
➢ Contribute to continuous improvement of company processes

Health & Safety
➢ Prepare site-specific RAMS
➢ Promote a strong safety culture
➢ Maintain H&S records and equipment checks
➢ Follow lone working procedures

Decision Making & Autonomy
➢ Works independently on allocated projects
➢ Manages own workload and deadlines
➢ Escalates complex issues to Senior Ecologists/Directors
➢ Drafts reports without close supervision

Essential Skills & Experience
➢ Honours degree in Ecology or related field (or equivalent)
➢ Full driving licence and access to own vehicle
➢ Member of (or actively applying for) CIEEM membership
➢ Minimum two full seasons of field survey experience
➢ Proven ability to produce PEAs and straightforward reports/documents
➢ Competent in GIS, Microsoft Office and data management
➢ Strong report writing skills

Desirable
➢ Protected species licence(s) or working towards
➢ Experience across multiple taxa
➢ Competent in UKHab
➢ BNG assessment experience
➢ CSCS card
➢ ECoW experience

Benefits
➢ Flexible working (some seasonal extended/out of hours working will be required)
➢ Professional membership and construction/civil registration scheme fees paid
➢ Training budget provided
➢ Increased holiday allocation over first four years of employment
➢ Career Progression (see below)

Progression Expectations
Typical progression to Senior Ecologist based on:
➢ Technical excellence
➢ Ability to manage projects and clients
➢ Leadership capability
➢ Commercial awareness
➢ An operational need for a more senior postholder

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the requirements of the role. It is not a contractual document and does not form part of any contract of employment. The duties and responsibilities outlined may be subject to change at any time to meet the needs of the organisation.