Associate or Associate Director; Ecology

About Avian Ecology

Avian Ecology is a growing ecological consultancy delivering complex infrastructure and land-use projects across the UK, with a strong and expanding portfolio in the renewables sector including onshore wind and solar.

As our business continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Associate, or Associate Director (Ecology), to strengthen our technical leadership team. Working alongside our existing Associate in Scotland and our wider senior leadership team, you will play a key role in delivering technically robust ecological advice, supporting project delivery and developing our growing team.

This role is ideally based at our Daresbury (Warrington) office, although hybrid working will be considered.

The Role Will Include:

• Leading the delivery of complex ecological projects, particularly EIA and NSIP developments
• Providing technical leadership and support to project teams across a broad range of ecological disciplines
• Technical report writing and peer review including EcIA, ES Chapters, HRA and other ecological assessments
• Supporting survey design, impact assessment and mitigation strategies
• Advising on Biodiversity Net Gain and protected species licensing
• Leading client relationships on key projects and acting as a trusted technical advisor
• Preparing fee proposals and supporting tender submissions
• Mentoring and developing Principal Ecologists, Senior Ecologists and Consultants
• Supporting resource planning and project delivery across the ecology team
• Contributing to technical standards, innovation and continuous improvement
• Working closely with the wider leadership team to support the continued growth of the business

Key Requirements:

• Degree qualified in Ecology or a related discipline
• Full CIEEM Membership (or eligible)
• Significant consultancy experience, at Principal Ecologist level or above
• Demonstrable experience leading complex ecological projects
• Experience of EcIA, Environmental Statement and HRA authorship and/or technical review
• Strong knowledge of UK ecological legislation, planning policy and best practice
• Experience of protected species mitigation and licensing
• Good understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain
• Experience mentoring and developing technical staff
• Excellent communication and client management skills
• Commercial awareness with experience preparing tenders and fee proposals
• Experience of Planning Appeals and/or DCO Examinations would be advantageous
• Full UK Driving Licence (desirable)

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary reflecting experience
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Optional private health insurance
• Ongoing professional development and CPD
• Training opportunities
• The opportunity to help shape the future of a growing, specialist ecological consultancy