Senior Ecologist

MOTT MACDONALD; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

Mott MacDonald

Location: Altrincham, United Kingdom / Liverpool, United Kingdom
Recruiter contact: Emma Cantley

Mott MacDonald

We’re a global engineering, management, and development consultancy. Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.

We are proud to be one of Glassdoor’s top employers to work for in the UK, as well as being recognised as a Top Inclusive Company in the UK.

About the division

Environmental and social considerations are central to Mott MacDonald’s Purpose and its offerings across all sectors and territories. Our environment and social business provides essential services and innovative solutions which anticipate our clients' needs across all sectors.

Overview of the role

Do you want to work for a company whose purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes, and to transform businesses, communities, and opportunities for its employees? Our Northern England Environment and Social team is looking for a senior ecologist to join our Liverpool and Altrincham ecology team, who work closely with our Leeds and Sheffield teams. We have varied projects in Northern England including renewable, road, and power schemes. You would be part of a team of over 140 ecologists nationally with specialists in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecology.

We are a highly collaborative team across all environmental disciplines, which makes Mott MacDonald a great place to work. While we are an employee-owned company, our ecology teams are small enough to have a family feel but large enough to work on some of the UK's biggest projects. These are led and supported by a fantastic mix of specialists with a wealth of experience and a culture of supporting and learning from others, coaching, and mentoring.

Candidate specification:
We are seeking a senior ecologist who enjoys leading and working within a close-knit team that operates in and is supported by larger regional and national teams. You should be working to a high level of technical knowledge and be able to confidently provide direction and support as an ecology discipline lead on a variety of projects. You will be passionate about using your experience and knowledge for the natural environment and professional excellence, leading the team in the development of innovative solutions both for our wide range of clients.

Essential:

• Experience in the UK ecological consultancy market, with a strong external-facing, client-orientated approach.
• A degree in Ecology (or a directly related subject).
• Chartered (or near Chartership) with an appropriate professional body.
• Strong knowledge and experience in the interpretation of wildlife legislation, key policy, and guidance to advise clients and manage ecological projects.
• Experience in overseeing the design of, and leading, ecological surveys for small and large-scale projects including UK Habitat classification habitat surveys and protected species surveys.
• Proficiency in writing and quality assurance of reports, ensuring high standards and good attention to detail.
• Experience of winning work and the ability to deliver contracts on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Willingness to mentor and develop junior staff.
• Willingness to encourage innovation and digital services.
• Willingness to travel throughout the UK.

Desirable:

• A masters or higher degree in Ecology (or directly related subject).
• Chartered Ecologist or Environmentalist.
• Experience in people management.
• Have held Natural England protected species development licence(s), ideally for great crested newt and / or bats.
• Experience in using the UKHab classification and biodiversity net gain metrics.
• Basic GIS skills.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Agile working

Happy to talk Flexible Working and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with everyday health costs and treatments.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.

Financial wellbeing

• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.

Lifestyle

• A minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.

Learning and development

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.