Senior Field Ecologist

Due to continued business growth, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Ecologist to join our expert Southampton ecology team in a Senior Field role. You will play a lead role in undertaking and delivering a range of projects across our business sectors, particularly including Renewables and Built Environment. This role presents an exciting opportunity to be responsible for the delivery of ecology inputs to a number of large and complex projects.

• Managing / overseeing ecological aspects of projects, advising clients and their contractors on schemes in the power, built environment and infrastructure sectors
• Preparation of fee proposals and scope of works, report writing and technical review of peer and sub-contractor reports
• Supervision and mentoring of ecology staff; depending on skills and experience, the role may also include staff management and leading site work on particular ecological specialisms
• Scheduling, managing and ensuring delivery of ecological survey work packages on time and budget
• Liaising with other SLR technical teams on a variety of subjects including planning, landscape, hydrology, noise and air quality whilst working closely with senior members of the ecology team in other SLR offices

It is important to understand that the job is likely to involve a significant amount of travel and time away from home, as well as survey work in all weathers and occasionally in remote locations. Long days may occasionally be required for field work. SLR offers paid overtime or Time off in lieu/flexible working to help make this manageable.

• Demonstrable experience in a range of different areas of ecological consultancy practice, leading and mentoring others within the team
• Competence in ecological surveying (whether terrestrial ecology, botany, ornithology or another specialism) and understanding of the relevant ecological legislation and policy within Scotland and throughout the UK
• BSc Ecology, Biological Science or equivalent (MSc desirable) and eligible for Qualifying or Associate level CIEEM membership
• Good theoretical grounding in ecology and environmental assessment and demonstrated experience in a range of ecological survey techniques
• Botanical skills and experience of habitat surveys would be an advantage, along with specialist fauna surveys (bats, reptiles, amphibians, water voles, otters, birds or invertebrates)
• Experience in project management duties including planning and scheduling surveys, budget management and client liaison
• Protected /notable species survey experience of relevance to Scotland
• Ornithological, botanical, terrestrial or freshwater fauna surveys
• Hold a full UK driving licence

Competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension, excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days' annual leave, with additional flexible bank holidays, we offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, with family friendly policies that help balance the needs of professional and home life.