Principal Ecologist

To meet our growing project workload and help us design and apply new approaches to our work, we are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Principal Bat Ecologist to join our Midlands Ecology Practice.

The Candidate will have the ability to use your knowledge, experience and influence to work collaboratively on large-scale, complex and nationally significant multi-discipline projects. You will work in accordance with high standards of professional conduct; and you will have the ability to communicate complex ecological concepts and ideas confidently and effectively internally and externally to a wide range of colleagues, stakeholders, clients, and the public. 

Lead project teams working on nationally significant and complex projects working in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Flexible working is a core part of our culture at AtkinsRéalis, and we appreciate that different people have different priorities. We recognise that a healthy work/life balance is integral to well- being and we are extremely supportive of individual requirements for flexible working. The ideal candidate would be looking to work in a hybrid manner and will be a national presence, based in one of our existing ecology offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Derby, Epsom, Exeter, Glasgow, Manchester or Newcastle.

We positively encourage pushing boundaries, promoting innovation, knowledge sharing and working inclusively across our diverse team. We are fully committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We want everyone to feel respected, empowered and able to realise their full potential as important members of our team.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Client facing/client interaction – The candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of clients requirements and be able to reach back into the business to get the support required to fulfil those requirements and develop relationships/work.
• Leading on nationally important infrastructure projects, managing project programmes and budgets.
• Planning and undertaking field surveys; analysing and interpreting survey results with a strong focus on bat ecology.
• Designing and co-ordinating ecological mitigation.
• Authoring and checking/reviewing a range of ecological reports and licence applications.
• Leadership – Candidate will have a leadership role managing projects, building client relationships and work bank.
• Interdisciplinary engagement – the candidate will actively seek to engage with other areas of the business, seeking opportunities to cross sell and leverage Atkinsréalis’ capabilities
• Candidate will actively identify, raise, manage and mitigate risks, particularly within a Project/Framework environment.
• Candidate will proactively provide innovation on projects and within the ecology team
• Candidate will coach, mentor and support other staff members in their development.

Training and Development

AtkinsRéalis is committed to developing the knowledge and skills of our ecologists. This role will have tailored mentoring and support towards achieving career goals, such as Chartership. Appropriate training courses external and internal will be reviewed with your mentor and Practice Manager.

Experience and Skills Requirements

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), or equivalent, and chartership (CEcol or CEnv) or working towards this. AtkinsRéalis to cover membership costs.
• Strong skills in report writing, including preparing Preliminary Ecological Assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Chapters for Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Regulations Assessment (including Appropriate Assessment).
• Protected species survey licence(s). A background in complex bat impact assessments/licensing would be desirable but not essential.
• Strong working knowledge and experience of UK Habitat survey, habitat condition assessments, and the Defra Biodiversity Metric. Demonstrable experience of undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain assessments.
• Experience of undertaking quality assurance and technical lead roles for projects.
• Demonstrable project management experience including technical, financial and quality assurance aspects.
• Demonstrable experience of working on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and familiarity with the Development Consent Order (DCO) process, would be viewed favourably.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis?

We're ranked as one of LinkedIn's Top 25 Companies, where UK professionals want to work and stay once, they join. We've also made the Times Top 50 employers for women.

Our Infrastructure team uses innovation, new approaches and the power of data to help our clients deliver end-to-end projects and programmes for essential future infrastructure. And as the work becomes ever more complex, our employees continue to challenge the status quo.

We're committed to engineering better for people and our planet, from our global Engineering Net-Zero programme to creating social value through EDAROTH community housing. We're proud of our active employee networks creating awareness and allyship for our under-represented groups. Not to mention programmes supporting communities outside AtkinsRéalis, including schools, charities, ex-forces and professionals returning after career breaks.

Security clearance:

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.  If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

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