Consultant Ecologist - Birmingham
Overview
Are you an experienced ecologist with a passion for delivering exceptional planning advice that also enhances biodiversity? Our client, a forward-thinking and award-winning environmental consultancy, is seeking a motivated and skilled Consultant Ecologist to join their dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on diverse projects that make a tangible difference to the environment while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative workplace.
Responsibilities
As a Consultant Ecologist, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality ecological services to clients. Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting a variety of ecological surveys, including protected species surveys and habitat assessments (UK Habitat Classification).
- Preparing detailed ecological reports, such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
- Providing strategic advice to clients on ecological constraints, opportunities, and mitigation strategies.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including landscape planning and arboriculture experts, to deliver integrated project solutions.
- Supporting the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and planning applications.
- Liaising with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure smooth and efficient project delivery.
- Contributing to fee proposals and tender documents.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in ecological consultancy (or equivalent experience from other relevant employment).
- Strong knowledge of UK wildlife legislation and planning policies.
- A Protected Species Licence or evidence of working towards obtaining one.
- Proven experience in conducting and leading a variety of ecological surveys.
- Familiarity with UK Habitat Classification survey techniques and statutory BNG requirements.
- Desired experience using QGIS to produce accurate digital outputs.
- Excellent report-writing skills with attention to detail, including experience in preparing PEAs and simple EcIAs.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or evidence of working towards it.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites.
Day-to-Day
Your day-to-day activities will involve a mix of fieldwork, report writing, and client interaction. You will:
- Conduct ecological surveys and assessments on a variety of project sites.
- Analyse data and prepare technical reports to inform planning applications and project strategies.
- Provide expert advice to clients on ecological matters, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.
- Work closely with colleagues across disciplines to deliver cohesive and innovative project solutions.
- Attend meetings with clients and stakeholders to discuss project progress and requirements.
Benefits
Our client is committed to fostering a positive and rewarding work environment. As part of their team, you will enjoy:
- A 4-day working week with a salary equivalent to a 5-day week (80% time for 100% pay).
- Opportunities to work on meaningful and impactful projects that benefit biodiversity and the environment.
- A supportive and collaborative team culture that values innovation and creativity.
- Professional development opportunities, including support for achieving CIEEM membership.
- A chance to work with a multidisciplinary team of experts in a forward-thinking consultancy.
If you are passionate about ecology and want to contribute to projects that make a real difference, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
