Senior Ecological Consultant – Guildford (full or part-time)

Overview

We are looking for a Senior Ecological Consultant to join the team at our head office in Guildford.  We are delighted to offer this opportunity to the right candidate on a full or part-time basis.  You would need to be able to work a minimum of 3 days per week (equivalent 0.6 FTE), however your working pattern is negotiable, preferably working one of the days on a Monday.

You may be looking for a step up into a more senior role, or be someone with more experience looking for a new and exciting position.  We are looking for someone who is up for the challenge of managing a diverse portfolio of projects in a variety of sectors, including some large, complex projects. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with particular terrestrial ecology specialisms (such as protected species, botanical, habitat assessment/restoration) and those who can demonstrate the application of their skills in an ecological consultancy setting.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and delivering a range of projects including technically complex project work, which may involve EPSL applications, EcIA chapters and habitat regulation assessments
• Producing high quality reports for clients; on time and within budget
• Mentoring and supervising junior staff as well as taking responsibility for the standard of survey work by leading the field team
• Preparing tenders and quotes for clients
• Managing client relationships
• Undertaking ecological surveys and mitigation using best practice techniques; and
• Undertaking continual professional development, by improving knowledge of ecology, legislation, ecological techniques and working towards gaining any outstanding protected species licences.

Key attributes and experience

This is a client facing role, and therefore you will be involved in managing client relationships, assisting with business development initiatives and the provision of quotations and tenders. You will therefore need to be commercially aware, self-motivated, organised, and have excellent communication skills with the ability to write clear, concise reports.

You will ideally have:

• At least three years relevant experience or proven, previous experience in a similar role
• A degree or postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in an ecological or related subject
• Advanced field skills in one or more specialist areas
• Ideally at least one protected species licence.  We would be particularly keen to hear from candidates who have a level 2 Bat Licence which has been held for a minimum of 3 years
• An in-depth knowledge of ecology, legislation, and survey techniques and an enthusiasm for keeping up to date with new technologies and best practice guidelines
• A full UK driving licence and use of a car
• Full membership of CIEEM (or to have eligibility if not currently held), and
• An enthusiastic, flexible, can-do work attitude

Working for Thomson Ecology

We offer a competitive salary, a performance related bonus scheme, fantastic on-the-job training and a range of other company benefits including contributory pension scheme, payment of a professional membership fee and discounted gym membership.  In addition to 25 days’ annual leave pro-rata (plus public holidays) we offer staff the ability to buy additional leave during the winter months and to request extended periods of leave, to travel or pursue other interests.

This is a permanent position based in our modern offices in the picturesque Surrey Research Park.  The successful candidate will live within commuting distance of Guildford or be prepared to relocate.

We will consider applications from full-time or part-time applicants (minimum of 0.6 FTE, equivalent to 3 full days per week), and can be flexible with the working pattern of the successful candidate. We will also accept job-share applications for the full time position.

How to apply

For an informal chat about the role, please feel free to contact Mike Hill on 01483 466033.

Alternatively, please apply with your CV and a succinct personal statement outlining your suitability for the role and desired working pattern (up to around 500 words) to recruitment@thomsonecology.com