Senior Ecologist

FPCR; Wareham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000

Job description

Are you an experienced senior ecologist looking for the next step up in your career? Are you looking to increase your exposure to complex and rewarding projects? Do you want to join an established consultancy practice who pride themselves in offering a great place to work? If so, we would love to hear from you for our Dorset office.

You will play a pivotal role in leading and delivering high-quality ecological assessments, surveys, and mitigation strategies, collaborating with our talented team of ecologists, landscape architects, and environmental planners. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Conducting and leading on ecological surveys, including protected species surveys, habitat assessments, and biodiversity audits.
2. Undertaking environmental impact assessments and preparing ecological reports.
3. Designing and implementing appropriate mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and protect ecological habitats.
4. Providing expert advice on ecological matters to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
5. Mentoring and supporting junior ecologists, sharing your knowledge and expertise to foster their professional development.
6. Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

About you:

1. At least a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
2. Several years' experience in ecological consultancy, with a strong focus on conducting surveys, assessments, and preparing a range of ecological reports.
3. Sound knowledge of UK ecology legislation, guidelines, and best practice.
4. A proven track record in managing and delivering ecological projects, meeting deadlines, with at least 3 years of experience in project management.
5. Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
6. Experience of advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain including production of Biodiversity Impact Assessments (BIA) and use of the DEFRA metric.
7. A particular interest or skill in ornithology or protected species, including licence holders, would be advantageous.
8. Membership or eligibility for membership with a relevant professional body (e.g., CIEEM).
9. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Why FPCR?

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd is one of the UK's leading integrated design practices working extensively throughout the UK. Over the last 60 years the practice has developed a valuable mix of multi-disciplinary expertise in masterplanning, environmental assessment, urban design, landscape, ecology, architecture, arboriculture and green infrastructure. Working together, we have implemented many award-winning schemes in environmentally sensitive locations.

At the start of 2021 FPCR became an Employee-Owned business. Our people and culture are vital to the service we provide, and we feel this is the best way forward for the future of the practice. Employee Ownership will enable the whole team to share in the future growth and success of the business, whilst the practice can remain responsive, independent, and adaptable.

Our ecology team is led by four directors who each joined the company in junior positions and are committed to providing the same supportive and fostering environment that is at the heart of our practice. Our team of over 120 ecologists work out of six offices across the UK.

Our Dorset office is well placed just outside of the historic Saxon walled town of Wareham, 20 minutes from Poole and Dorchester with Wool and Wareham Stations nearby. The office sits within one of the most biodiverse areas in the UK and is based at a freshwater ecology research site next to the iconic River Frome.

What you can expect in return:

Salary: £32,000 - £36,000+ per annum dependent on experience.

Our employees really are our greatest asset, representing a wide range of skills and experience from across the field of UK ecology. We are proud to offer our staff at all levels the opportunity to pursue their individual interests as this helps us to facilitate shared learning across our practice.

We are offering a competitive salary with the opportunity for annual bonuses, enrolment on our pension scheme and 25 days holiday, compressed working week and a holiday purchase system. Everyone is enrolled in a BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme. Staff well-being is very important to us, and the teams frequently have a range of volunteering and social activities going on.

FPCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their race or gender.

If you feel you are the right candidate, or feel you can offer FPCR's ecology team other relevant experience and skills, please submit your CV along with a covering letter, together with any supporting documentation that you feel may be of interest.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

ABOUT FPCR

Established in 1957, FPCR are an award-winning multi-disciplinary environment and design practice with expertise in Landscape, Urban Design, Masterplanning, Architecture, Ecology and Arboriculture. We believe our diverse range of skills provide clients with an excellent rounded approach to projects while concurrently providing our staff with a dynamic and diverse place to work.