NSB Recruitment have an exciting opportunity for a Principal/Lead Ecologist delivering highways/ street lighting contracts on a variety of large, complex, civil engineering projects across southern and central England.

As the Principal/ Lead Ecologist, you will oversee and manage ecological aspects across a range of highways infrastructure contracts/projects to satisfy their client needs and achieve positive outcomes through pragmatic input at all project lifecycle stages.

You will be responsible for leading and developing the ecology function within the Environmental Technical Team, which acts as an in-house consultancy through delivery of specialist environmental and sustainability services both internally and externally. You will manage other ecologists whilst working closely with design & construction teams and other external consultants to co-ordinate and deliver a full range of ecological services such as habitat and species surveys, ECoW support, impact assessment, licencing & mitigation, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

Location: UK Wide (remote working)

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Co-ordinating and delivering a range of office and site-based ecological services, including habitat/species surveys, ECoW support, impact assessment, licencing & mitigation, and BNG assessments.
• Producing accurate reports in a range of formats with an appropriate level of technical content for the intended audience and application.
• Providing specialist ecological advice and training to contract/project teams and clients to assist them in effectively managing ecological risks and opportunities.
• Reviewing and approving a range of reports and other project deliverables to provide quality assurance.
• Compiling and implementing licence applications and other ecological consents, including mitigation and monitoring strategies.
• Liaising with statutory authorities and establishing positive, trusted relationships.
• Engaging and co-ordinating support from external consultants as required.
• Managing other ecologists, providing appropriate direction to support their development and high performance.
• Formulating fee proposals covering environmental support as well as managing time allocation of self and others in accordance with agreed Task Orders and utilisation targets.
• Supporting the growth and performance of the Environmental Technical Team through delivery and business development, whilst overseeing and leading the strategic direction of the ecology function and undertaking recruitment to meet resource needs.
• Planning and programming workload for yourself and others to ensure delivery of services within agreed timescales to high standards.

Skills & Knowledge Required:

• Degree level qualification in an environmental or related subject (desirable).
• At least 3 years’ experience in construction / infrastructure sectors or related industries (desirable).
• Proficient in field surveys including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition assessment, and protected species surveys.
• Sound knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy, and guidance.
• Proven track record of co-ordinating and delivering a range of office and site-based ecological services to achieve positive project outcomes.
• Holder of survey and/or mitigation/conservation licences for protected species (desirable).
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage projects, resources, programmes, and budgets effectively.
• Personable with excellent written and verbal communication skills and the capability to engage a range of stakeholders on ecology/biodiversity matters.
• Practical and pragmatic approach in delivering ecological solutions.
• Ambition and capability to encourage innovation and digital services throughout the business
• Willingness to travel across the UK and stay away from home for short periods when required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and expectations of contract/project management teams.
• Experience of training, mentoring, developing, and/or managing direct reports/other colleagues (desirable).

Rewards & Benefits

My client offers a highly competitive salary along with a range of exciting benefits.  This is an exceptional opportunity to join an ambitious business with significant growth plans ahead.  My client offers ongoing career development & training including recognised industry qualifications.

If this Principal/ Lead Ecologist is of interest, please click apply below.