Overview

Ecology Consultant: Landscape regeneration and conservation

Salary: £28,000 – £35,000

Contract: Full Time

Hours: 40 hours per week, permanent

Location: Cornwall Office (Liskeard) – Regional Coverage

We are looking for an experienced ecologist to join our small, dynamic and progressive team. A colleague who will enjoy working on a diverse range of projects, as a valuable member of a multi-disciplinary, holistic thinking team.

Land & Heritage is a consultancy team with specialisms in ecology, woodland creation and management, arboriculture, landscape design and heritage management. Our core principles concentrate on conservation and enhancement; making spaces better for all species including humans, using innovative technologies and knowledge.

Our ecology work has a broad and diverse range. We work on PEAs, Impact Assessments and protected species surveys alongside complex, large scale habitat surveys and enhancement management plans for very special priority habitat landscapes, which include moorland, coastal and rivers. We have been delivering BNG mitigation proposals for several years on behalf of progressive clients/authorities and have a well-developed understanding of the statutory legislation and it’s natural capital opportunities for our clients. We regularly undertake conservation and enhancement projects for NGOs and charities; work that makes a difference!

You will have a minimum of three years’ experience as a consultant ecologist. You will feel confident undertaking field survey work, identifying species and habitats, collecting data and producing high quality reports. You will work alone on some surveys and projects, but you will be supported by a close knit team and senior colleagues. You will be adaptive, flexible and find solutions to challenges. We will welcome you, help you to integrate, and encourage you to develop and pursue your natural specialisms or talents through CPD and training.

Your role will involve:

·     Leading on habitat surveys and identification of broad habitat types

·     Leading on ecological surveys for a wide variety of fauna (bats, birds, badger, reptiles, dormouse, water vole, otter and great crested newt)

·     Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and assessments

·     Writing and leading on high quality ecological reports and management plans

·     Collating, analysing and presenting data using a variety of software.

·     Fee proposal preparation and supporting the team with input into tenders

·     Regular client liaison and small project management

·     Using our project management software to record tasks, projects and budgets accurately

·     Evening bat surveys and dawn bird surveys during the summer months as part of contractual hours

·     Supervising junior team members and sub-contractors

To be competitive you will need:

·     An appropriate degree in ecology or similar discipline or equivalent qualifications/field experience

·     Have at least 3 years of experience working within an ecological consultancy

·     Experience in habitat and protected species survey methods and a knowledge of the UKHabs classification.

·     A good understanding of UK wildlife legislation and policy and be able to communicate this clearly and confidently

·     Knowledge of NERC S41 species and the ability to identify the more common species in this list

·     An appreciation and understanding of the commercial nature of consultancy.

·     Experience with using spatial data management software such as ArcGIS / QGIS and Microsoft Office.

·     A full valid UK driver’s license

·     Attention to detail and good communication and organisational skills

·     An ability to be self-driven and motivated

·     A willingness to work in a hybrid environment with a minimum of 2-3 days per week in our office (flexible during field seasons) to allow for regular, good cross-team collaboration.

·     Membership of CIEEM (or be working towards this).

Desirable Skills:

·     Experience in undertaking BNG assessments

·     Experience acting as supervising ecologist (ECoW) on construction sites, or delivering ecological mitigation.

·     Botanical identification skills to an equivalent of Level 4 FISC

·     Experience in bat sound analysis software.

·     Hold a Level 1 or above bat survey licence

·     Knowledge of environmental management and biodiversity enhancement opportunities

·     Knowledge of /an interest in forestry / farming practices and rural grant funding schemes

What we can offer:

You will be part of a friendly, down-to-earth group of environmental consultants based in Cornwall, with opportunities to collaborate with cross-discipline colleagues on complex and rewarding nature-positive projects.

We thrive working together as a relaxed but professional team and as a company look to invest in individuals who are keen to develop themselves and Land and Heritage into the future.

We also offer:

·     Hybrid and flexible working

·     TOIL for work outside of normal office hours

·     Project performance bonus payments

·     Training and development support for CPD

·     Company pension scheme

·     33 days annual leave (including public holidays)

·     Enhanced sick pay package

Contact details:

To apply, please send a covering letter along with your CV to Melissa Wynn (Principal Ecologist)

melissa@landandheritage.com

Applications will be received until: 20/07/2024