Overview

Kier Strategic Highways are currently recruiting for an Ecologist to join the Area 7 highway design services contract. Candidates must have a full understanding of ecological impact assessment associated with infrastructure. The Ecologist is expected to work independently in areas of competence, although he/she will be fully supported by the wider team, Ecology lead and supported by his/her line manager.

Key Responsibilities:

 

Liaison with Kier design teams, as well as the clients asset team (primarily Environment and Drainage) and liaison with statutory and non-statutory bodies.
Able to work as part of a multi-disciplinarian team in undertaking site surveys, watching briefs and identifying specialist ecological surveys as and when required for renewals and improvement schemes and studies ensuring tasks are delivered on time and to budget.
Maintaining and improving the ecological surveying and reporting procedure to increase effective information transfer throughout the schemes delivery process.
Advise Highways England and Kier Highways colleagues on ecological matters.
Leading and collaborating on site walkovers / surveys of the network.
Managing and mentoring junior members of the team.
Undertaking report writing to a professional standard for site survey reports, EcIAs, protected species licence applications and tenders.Input into ecological / landscape scheme development and detailed design.Undertake ecological assessment work as part of EIA (Highways Act) and AIES.
Liaise with designers, contractors and the client regarding ecological elements of schemes.
Designing and implementing mitigation strategies
Apply for licences and consents when required.
Deliver toolbox talks and share technical knowledge.
Advise sub-contractors and in-house teams working on ecologically sensitive works.
Actively promote Health and Safety in the workplace, setting a good example to other employees and ensuring awareness of and compliance with all legal requirements via the processes set out in the Health and Safety Procedures Manual. Ensuring Team compliance on H&S for site visits
For all studies and schemes – ensure compliance at all times with European and UK Environmental and wildlife laws
Key Skills and Qualifications:

 

An honours degree in ecology, environmental science or related discipline (essential).
Postgraduate qualification (desirable). Full membership (or to have eligibility if not currently held) of relevant institution (cf. CIEEM, IEMA).
Protected species licence holder, ideally Great Crested Newts and / or Bats.
Confidence to work independently, and as part of a team.
Self-motivated with the ability to learn quickly.
Excellent organisational and planning skills.
Ability to work with non-technical audiences and communicate effectively.
Proficient IT skills (including GIS and mobile data capture).
Full clean driving licence.
Proficiency in UK species identification and taxonomy.
Familiarisation with standardised habitat survey methodologies (including Phase 1, NVC etc).
A good level of technical understanding and experience with faunal survey methodologies, particularly with bats (survey and mitigation).
Knowledge of key environmental / ecological legislation, UK protected and invasive species.Understanding of habitat creation techniques, habitat management theory and practice and conservation management and planning.
Experience of environmental condition assessment.
Flexible approach and willingness to be reactive working in a fast paced environment.
Commitment and enthusiastic with a positive approach to problem-solving.
Sound organiser with proven ability to set priorities and to see tasks through to completion.
Ability to work under own initiative and take responsibility for the overall programme.
About Kier:

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Being part of Kier means living our values of being collaborative, enthusiastic and forward thinking. We all have the potential to shape our world, and it’s through these values that we will leave a lasting legacy. Bring your talent and ambition to Kier and you will be given the scope and opportunity to invest in your own future, to build your expertise and contribute to a rich and diverse culture.

Kier is an inclusive employer.

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