Senior​/Principal Ecologist; Bat Specialist

Job Description Overview

AtkinsRéalis, our award winning team of over 130 ecologists work throughout the UK to deliver a diverse range of challenging and exciting projects that benefit our clients, biodiversity and society. To meet our growing project workload, we are looking for an enthusiastic Bat Licensed Ecologist to join either our Cardiff or Bristol office. 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, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Our ecology team truly strives to make a positive difference to the natural environment by working closely with other disciplines across our business to engage in projects from the outset ensuring ecology is considered at the earliest possible stage. This collaborative working helps to drive forward nature positive schemes that we are proud of.

Client facing/client interaction – The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of clients' requirements. Supporting on nationally important infrastructure projects, managing project programmes and budgets. Planning and undertaking field surveys; analysing and interpreting survey results. Designing and co‑ordinating ecological mitigation. Authoring and checking a range of ecological reports and licence applications.

The candidate will actively seek to engage with other areas of the business, seeking opportunities to cross sell and leverage AtkinsRéalis' capabilities, preparing bids, supporting on strategic opportunities, building client relationships (internal and external) and driving work‑winning in the region. Candidate will proactively provide innovation on projects and within the ecology team. Candidate may coach, mentor and support other staff members in their development.

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.

A Natural England / Natural Resources Wales bat licence.

Experience of working on Natural England or Natural Resources Wales mitigation licences as accredited agents.

Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or actively working towards this.

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) and Protected species survey licence(s).

Strong working knowledge and experience of UK Habitat survey, habitat condition assessments, and the Defra Biodiversity Metric.

Ideally project management experience including technical, financial and quality assurance aspects.

Experience of working on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and familiarity with the Development Consent Order (DCO) process, would be viewed favourably.

A desire to contribute to the growth and development of the team.

A full UK/EEC driving licence.

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise.

And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life. Be rewarded.

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering…