Senior/Principal Ecologist

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Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. Starting as a UK business in 1994, SLR now operates as a global company with more than 3,500 people, delivering client-focused solutions across Europe, North America, Pacific Asia and Africa. Throughout this time SLR has strived to grow both organically and through welcoming other like-minded businesses, such as Wardell Armstrong, into its "One Team" of talented consultants. In doing so, its core objective is to assist clients and colleagues alike in "Making Sustainability Happen".

The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 150 ecologists across the UK. The Ecology team is highly successful and as part of our ongoing plans we wish to recruit an experienced Senior/Principal Ecologist to join our dynamic team in Cardiff. The ideal candidate will have between 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience in an ecologically focused role, preferably in ecological consultancy.

Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Licensed members of our team can deal with great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice and reptiles. We're proud of our strong working relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The ecology team works alongside several other environmental professionals within the Firm, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects and engineers. Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team is desirable but not essential. Project work will be varied, and there will be a strong focus on renewable energy, infrastructure and residential schemes as well as other commercial development projects. Project work will be within Wales and the South West and occasional further afield within the UK.

Qualifications and Experience - we are seeking someone who has:

• A good level of both academic and professional qualifications in ecology or a related discipline.
• Experience of managing ecological projects to completion and reporting to the standards required by planning authorities, Natural Resources Wales and other similar bodies.
• Experience of making licence applications and holds at least 1 Protected Species licence. A bat licence would be advantageous.
• Experience of preparing a wide range of technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, ES Chapters, Habitat Regulations Assessments and other technical reports.
• Experience of applying for Natural Resources Wales/Natural England mitigation licences.
• Good knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance.
• Qualifying Member' status, or higher, of CIEEM.
• A full UK driving licence essential and access to own car is essential.

We offer:

• Hybrid home/office working arrangement.
• Membership of the Firm's Group Personal Pension Plan, with Employer's contribution of up to 5%.
• Payment of a relevant professional subscription.
• 24 days annual leave per year.
• Membership to the Firm's Private Health Care Scheme.
• Inclusion in the Firm's Critical Illness Cover Policy.
• Inclusion in the Firm's Life Assurance Policy, insuring you 3 times your annual salary.
• Mobile Phone with inclusive tariff including personal usage.
• Regular training programme.
• Flexitime Working Schedule.
• Long service awards.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Travel Loans.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Recruitment Bounty Scheme.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries
• Business Consulting and Services