Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist Job Overview
Our client is a major utilities and infrastructure organisation responsible for delivering and maintaining critical infrastructure across Wales and the South West.
Due to continued investment in major infrastructure projects, they are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their internal project team. This is a newly created position and represents an excellent opportunity for an ecologist to take ownership of ecology matters across several significant schemes.
The successful candidate will initially support two major high-pressure pipeline projects across South Wales, each extending approximately 50 kilometres through a variety of landscapes and environmentally sensitive areas. They will also provide ecological support across the wider network throughout Wales and the South West.
The role will involve advising engineering and project teams, ensuring environmental compliance and helping projects progress efficiently while meeting all ecological and regulatory requirements.
This is currently a standalone ecology position reporting directly to the engineering lead. However, there is potential for the successful candidate to help develop and grow an internal ecology team in the future.
Senior Ecologist

Job Requirements
Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline
Previous experience working as an Ecologist or Senior Ecologist
Experience supporting major infrastructure, utilities, rail, highways, transport or construction projects
Strong understanding of UK ecology legislation and environmental regulations
Experience liaising with regulatory bodies and environmental stakeholders
Ability to provide practical ecological advice to engineering and project teams
Experience managing ecological constraints while supporting project delivery
Strong report writing and communication skills
Ability to work independently and take ownership of ecology matters
Comfortable attending sites and project meetings across Wales and the South West
Full UK driving licence
The client requires someone who understands the importance of maintaining compliance while also supporting projects to progress within programme timescales.
Senior Ecologist

Job Responsibilities
Provide ecological advice across major infrastructure and pipeline projects
Support two significant high-pressure pipeline projects across South Wales
Advise engineering and project delivery teams on ecological risks and requirements
Liaise with Natural Resources Wales, the Environment Agency and other relevant stakeholders
Coordinate with external ecological consultants and contractors
Review ecological surveys, reports, mitigation plans and recommendations
Ensure projects comply with relevant environmental legislation and planning requirements
Identify ecological constraints and provide practical solutions
Support project teams in progressing works safely, legally and efficiently
Attend site meetings, project meetings and stakeholder discussions
Provide oversight of externally commissioned ecology work
Help ensure external consultants are providing proportionate and appropriate recommendations
Support the development of the organisation's internal ecology capability
Potentially assist with recruiting and managing additional ecologists as the team grows
Senior Ecologist

Salary and Benefits
Competitive salary, dependent on experience
25 days' annual leave
Company pension scheme with employer contributions
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Opportunity to work on major infrastructure projects
Significant autonomy and responsibility
Potential to develop and grow an internal ecology team
Long-term career progression within a major utilities organisation
The position offers flexibility regarding home working and location. However, the successful candidate must be available to attend sites and project meetings across South Wales, Wales and the South West when required.
Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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