Graduate Ecologist​/Ecologist

We are looking to hire a Graduate Ecologist in our Exeter office.

As a result of our ongoing workload with Kier, we are looking for graduates and experienced ecologists to aid with project delivery of a large infrastructure project in Bridgwater. The project is situated adjacent to the Somerset Levels with a wide variety of ecological interest, including water voles, otters, breeding and wintering birds (including Schedule 1 Marsh Harrier), bats, great crested newts and reptiles.

Your main role will be based on site, with duties including undertaking checks and review of the implemented on‑site ecological mitigation, client communications, undertaking surveys from walkovers to protected species surveys, coordination with contractors, and reporting. You will work alongside the Ecology Lead to aid with resource planning, risk assessment, production, and bid work, thereby having an opportunity to increase your commercial skills alongside your technical work.

In addition, the Pell Frischmann ecology team works with a diverse range of schemes and you will be involved with activities on a variety of projects ranging from road, water, rail, to housing throughout the UK. The location of the role will be based out of Bridgwater while on site, with your home office in Exeter. Whatever the location some travelling can be expected with stays away from home.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ecological field work and reporting, and for overseeing the delivery and management of a range of ecological deliverables. They will need experience delivering on‑site environmental and ecological advice and will be required to contribute to the development of more junior ecologists within the business.

• Leading and coordinating the technical elements of ecological projects, ensuring high levels of safety, quality and environmental responsibility.
• Undertaking ecological surveys, including walkovers, habitat assessments, and protected species surveys (bats, great crested newts, badgers, riparian mammals, etc.) with appropriate training and supervision.
• Ensuring technical quality of own and the team’s survey, analysis and reporting in accordance with good practice guidance, ecological legislation and the Pell Frischmann internal quality systems.
• Project coordination with good commercial awareness and financial control, ensuring deliverables meet the client’s needs and are delivered cost effectively and to an exemplary standard.
• Working in conjunction with project stakeholders (clients, statutory consultees) to achieve project aims while encouraging a high level of environmental protection.
• Engaging in business development, client and third‑party liaison to enhance reputation and secure new and repeat work.
• Advocating the team’s services internally to our framework managers and technical leads.
• Assisting with the promotion of the company’s capabilities to current and prospective clients.
• Ensuring compliance with internal management system procedures.
• Working well in a team and using initiative to resolve issues arising in the field.
• Demonstrating strong analytical, critical thinking and organisational skills.

• Under/postgraduate degree in Ecology, Environmental Management or a related discipline.
• A current CSCS card or equivalent.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

• Experience in a similar capacity as an Ecological Clerk of Works.
• Experience surveying a range of UK habitats and protected species (including but not limited to bats, badger, otter, water vole, etc.).
• Previous experience working within an engineering organisation and demonstrable post‑study experience in a similar role.
• Full UK driver’s licence and access to your own car.
• Good knowledge of relevant UK and EU wildlife legislation, including conservation of protected species.
• Competent report‑writing skills, including PEA and protected species survey reports.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in conveying ecological/environmental requirements to contractor teams.
• Sound knowledge of environmental constraints.
• One or more European protected species licences.
• Competent user of technology for ecological surveying.