Senior/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 Senior or Principal Ecologist to join our Exeter office and become a part of our South-West and Wales Ecology practice. The ideal candidate would be looking to work in a hybrid manner undertaking surveys across the South-West (and occasionally in Wales), and also collaborate with the Exeter Ecology Team, and other disciplines, in the Exeter office. It is desirable for the candidate to have FISC 4 botanical certification, and/or hold a Natural England bat licence. Candidates with experience in Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW) will also be looked upon favourably.

At AtkinsRéalis, our team of ecologists work throughout the UK to deliver a diverse range of challenging and exciting award-winning projects that benefit our clients, biodiversity and society. Our ecology team won the inaugural CIEEM Large-Scale Consultancy of the Year Award in 2018 and has been Highly Commended in the same award category each year thereafter.We are proud to promote innovative nature-based solutions across a range of market sectors; collaborating with clients to positively contribute to the carbon net zero agenda and biodiversity and climate emergencies. We are particularly passionate about the implementation of biodiversity net gain on our projects and have placed ourselves at the forefront of this approach.

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 wellbeing and we are extremely supportive of individual requirements for flexible and remote working.

Joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant and high-profile projects, with many of our projects winning awards for biodiversity enhancements.

What you will be doing:

• Leading on infrastructure projects and managing projects.
• Collaborating with our multi-disciplinary teams and undertaking stakeholder engagement.
• Planning and undertaking field surveys; analysing and interpreting survey results using approaches such as biodiversity net gain or natural capital.
• Designing and co-ordinating ecological mitigation.
• Authoring and checking/reviewing a range of ecological reports and licence applications.
• Providing support and mentorship to other team members.

About you:

Ideally, you would have the following qualifications / experience:

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), chartership, or being on the route to chartership (AtkinsRéalis to cover membership costs).
• A degree in ecology or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable project management experience including technical, financial and quality assurance aspects.
• Working knowledge of UKHab classification and the Defra Metric.
• Strong botanical skills (FISC level 4 would be particularly desirable but not essential).
• Protected species survey licence (bats is desirable but not essential).
• Experience of Environmental or Ecological Clerk of Works.
• A full, clean UK driving licence.

What we offer?

AtkinsRéalis recognise that there are many well qualified people who are looking to further their career, but who cannot commit to full time employment. We support flexible working arrangements and are interested to discuss how we can accommodate individual requirements.  As part of this commitment, we understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, where a work-life balance is important. So, by default AtkinsRéalis offers flexible working, where there is no fixed 9 ‘till 5, no need for a 5-day week, no requirement for a full-time contract, and no requirement to spend all your working time in the office.

Rewards and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary that is regularly tested against other consultants with a default 25-days leave each year plus bank holidays and options to buy some or sell of that leave. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

New name, new era. We are AtkinsRéalis. It will take some time for all our information to update – you can still refer to our fantastic benefits via the link below:

YourReward at SNC-Lavalin (snclavalin.com).

Training:

AtkinsRéalis is committed to developing its people both personally and professionally. Our colleagues have the advantage of access to a high ranging training portfolio and development activities designed to help make the best of individual’s abilities and talents. We also actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.

Additional Information:

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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