Overview

We are looking for principal ecologists to join our friendly, supportive and welcoming working environment with a small team structure.

The Principal Ecologist’s role will be to provide expert technical consultancy services to LC Ecological Services’ clients, provide support to other members of staff and take a lead in the implementation and development of company policies.

Job Title:  Principal Ecologist – Full or part-time permanent post available, on a flexible basis.

Salary and package:  Salary from £38,500 upwards (up to £50,000 for exceptional candidates) per annum depending on experience, with additional annual company profit-based bonuses

A bit about us

LC Ecological Services an independent ecological consultancy based on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, located in the most biodiverse 10km grid square in the UK! We work on a wide and interesting range of projects, from small-scale home improvements to large scale housing projects, many of which we have had long-term involvement in from the initial surveys through to implementing protected species mitigation and enhancement, spanning over a decade in some cases. Our location in the country means that we regularly have the opportunity to work with many of the UK’s rarer species such as grey long-eared and horseshoe bats, smooth snake and sand lizard which is a real privilege.

We have built excellent working relationships with our clients over the last 20 years, which has enabled us to become extremely proficient at finding pragmatic solutions to any challenges associated with complex projects. As a well-established company and high-quality of work that we produce, we have built an excellent reputation in both the ecology and conservation sector, and these working relationships have resulted in contracts and involvement in conservation and research-based projects.

We pride ourselves on keeping up with the latest technology in terms of survey equipment, and the company is extremely well-equipped for all aspects of ecological surveys. As the company has developed the range of services we offer has expanded, including our own in-houses tree climbers and a team that implements the more practical side of ecological consultancy such as vegetation clearance and land management.

What we offer

We are extremely flexible, with extensive and well supported working policies, and adapt our contracts of employment to suit individual needs. We are a very family friendly company with flexible working and excellent family friendly policies. Employees are able to work both from home or from the office and the balance is tailored to suit individuals. We provide 28 days holiday per year alongside the statutory bank holidays. Private health insurance is also available for employees. The company has a strong focus on supporting the team to develop their particular areas of interest through a training budget and two days a year that are available for attending external training courses or volunteering. In-house training is also provided by our team of expert ecologists. Career progression is also actively supported through a structured appraisal system which is linked to a competitive salary structure.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with a passion for ecology and nature conservation, with extensive experience of working as part of a small team with good communication skills. The Principal Ecologist’s role will be to provide expert technical consultancy services to LC Ecological Services’ clients, provide support to other members of staff and take a lead in the implementation and development of company policies.

Candidates will be required to have a relevant degree or suitable experience and have or be eligible for Full CIEEM membership with at least eight years’ experience working within a consultancy.

They will have a detailed level of knowledge of all aspects of ecological consultancy work and its application. Candidates will be expected to hold numerous protected species licences, or be recognised as being an authority within their area of expertise. Experience in managing and conducting field work for large, complex projects and line management, along with a full driving licence are essential.

The full job description is provided here (Job description – Principal Ecologist).

To apply for this position please send your CV with a covering letter to Lindsay at lindsay@ecological-services.co.uk.