Senior Ecologist | Perth, Nottingham, Evesham

We are looking for professional Senior Ecologists who are conscientious and reliable, and have attention to detail in all aspects of their work, including but not limited to, health and safety, quality, and biosecurity. Whilst being a good Company/team player, the Senior Ecologist will also need to be self-motivated and able to work individually at times, although you will always have the mentoring support of the Directors and other Gavia Staff.  

To be successful the Senior Ecologist will need to be someone who is able to apply their technical skills to real-world situations and think around issues in a flexible manner to ensure that we offer the best possible advice and work in as cost-effective manner as possible. At the same time, it is important that they remain aware of any limitations and that they are willing to take advantage of the support provided by the Directors and Regional Directors in a proactive way.  

As communication is key to an effective consultant, written English must be excellent and the Senior Ecologist must also exhibit good verbal communication skills, especially when directing colleagues and sub-contractors working on projects for which you are the manager.  

Last, but not least, it is of key importance that the Senior Ecologist has a passion for their subject; is keen to develop within their chosen profession, and to assist others – both inside and increasingly outside our profession – in understanding environmental issues. 

The core duties of the Senior Ecologist post are as follows: 

• To continue to develop responsibility for reducing risks and minimising liability. Including, in particular, being responsible for both personal and the team’s health and safety through ensuring that the projects for which the Consultant is manager comply with Gavia’s Health and Safety Procedures; 

• To undertake and ensure ecological surveys and recording of data are undertaken to a high technical standard, with individual technical specialism in at least one or two areas e.g. ornithology, animal conversation licences held etc.; 
• To demonstrate increasing confidence in the main provisions of the legislation; an understanding of the subtleties of other initiatives, e.g. UKHAB, Biodiversity Net Gain, BAPs, Priority Habitats/Species, Species of Principal Importance, NVC, etc.; 
• To understand the importance of the planning policy context and become familiar with planning policy guidance on nature conservation in Scotland and the UK;  
• To produce and deliver accurate and well-presented factual baseline, interpretative, advisory, legal compliance, licencing, and Ecological Impact Assessment reports, demonstrating an excellent standard of written English, as well as a high level of competence in using Microsoft Word and Excel.  
• The Senior Ecologist will work with their Line Manager to agree on Personal Professional Development (PDP) objectives and identify training courses to attend and other activities to undertake as part of his/her Continuing Professional Development (CPD). 

Senior Consultants will be supported (through technical direction and review) by senior management which could include the Company’s Regional Directors or Company Directors.  

The Senior Ecologist will be responsible both for day-to-day Client liaison and for providing clear guidance on the work required and time available to other consultants (including sub-contractors), in the project team(s). Internal project support may be given to the consultant by way of day-to-day administration and filing, by the Administrative team or another Environmental Consultant.  

The Package

For our new starters, Gavia offers Salaries in the range of £35 – 45K, we pay for a Professional Membership, Career Development Plan, 25 Days Holiday including bank holidays (you get 1 extra day if you are in England!), Holiday Purchases, Private Health Care, Company Contributory Pension, Cycle-to-Work Scheme, Discounted IT purchases and Contribution to Gym Membership.

We aim to provide logistical and administrative support at all levels to minimise expenses for staff with: pool cars/vans and fuel cards available, accommodation pre-booked/paid, Site Based PPE Provided, Outdoor Thermal/Waterproof Clothing and Walking and Safety Boots Provided, equipment required for the role will also be provided e.g. computer, tablet, mobile phone, binoculars, weather-writers, etc.

Should you wish to discuss the above role further or to apply please contact careers@gavia-environmental.co.uk with a copy of your CV and a Cover Letter.

Additional Information

For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a relocation package with this job role.

Our other screening checks can include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, any criminal records, and references from previous employers. The screening that takes place will be relevant to your role.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or age.