Locations: London and Manchester / Reference: 6220
Ricardo Energy & Environment is a leading sustainability consultancy combining water, energy, climate change, environmental and chemical risk expertise with strong IT and economics capability. Operating across the world, we work in partnership with our customers to help transform the way they work, empowering business leaders with award winning consultancy advice. With unrivalled sector insight and a reputation for producing innovative solutions, we offer a stimulating and rewarding environment in which to work.
Cascade is a business practice of Ricardo Energy & Environment, offering a comprehensive range of specialist services within the environmental consultancy sector. Nationally and internationally recognised for our expertise in planning and overseeing complex and sensitive projects, our skills have been utilised by a wide range of clients within the public and private sectors including the European Commission, government, water companies and developers.
Purpose:
An experienced Senior Ecologist is required to support and help lead our growing ecological consultancy work. The two positions will be based in London and Manchester, but will support projects throughout the UK and occasionally beyond.
Key accountabilities:
The role will involve project management and implementation of ecological surveys, consultation, assessment and mitigation in support of our clients’ proposals and operations. The production of high quality reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Species Reports, Ecological Impact Assessments and ecological input to Environmental Statements will be a key feature of the role. The individual will be expected to apply for and oversee protected species licences for their areas of expertise, liaise with clients and prepare fee proposals. The position will also involve managing the technical work of more junior staff and sub-consultants, guided and supported by our Ecology Lead.
Key competencies and experience:
· A degree in a relevant subject, such as ecology or other biological sciences with a wildlife focus, and ideally a relevant postgraduate qualification.
· Full membership of CIEEM, and ideally chartered (e.g. CEnv or CEcol)
· Relevant experience in ecological impact assessment in support of EIA
· Experience of planning and conducting ecological surveys, including Phase 1 habitat survey and protected species surveys and providing mitigation recommendations.
· At least one protected species survey licence.
· Experience of applying for and holding licences for protected species mitigation/conservation would be an advantage.
· Excellent report writing skills, including survey reports and Environmental Statement chapters
· A good understanding of wildlife legislation, the planning process, EIA and Habitats Regulations Assessment.
· A track-record of successful project management.
· Experience in the preparation of ecology proposals and tenders.
· Experience of ecological assessment for the water sector would be an advantage.
· A full UK driver’s license would also be an advantage.
The individual must be a self-starter, working in a small and very busy team. Excellent team working skills are therefore essential together with strong communication skills, sound understanding of ecological impact assessment and a close attention to detail. Whilst fieldwork skills are important for this role, there will be a large component of coordination, data presentation and report writing.
To apply for this vacancy please visit http://careers.eericardo.com/vacancies/192/CIEEM/senior_ecologist/