Senior Ecologist

Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong now forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. The Ecology team is highly successful and as part of our ongoing plans we wish to recruit an experienced Ecologist to join our friendly and successful team in Bolton. The ideal candidate will have 4 yrs plus experience.

Overview of team / business area .

The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. 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

The role

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. Applicants must be flexible over travel and hours, particularly during the relevant survey periods and be prepared to work away from home as projects require. Due to the nature of the work a full driving licence and access to a car is required.

• Managing ecological projects (commensurate with experience), assisting team leads with managing resource allocation and financial budgets, addressing any client feedback and ensuring effective communications on all projects.
• Producing and overseeing the production of ecological appraisals, reports, licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, EPS licences and other similar documents.
• Mentoring junior team members
• Carrying out ecological surveys, where necessary, and checking that surveys are being carried out to the required standards by all staff.
• Assist the team leads with the preparation of fee proposals.

About you

• Experience of managing ecological projects to completion and reporting to the standards required by planning authorities, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, and other similar bodies.
• 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 in Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments and designing Biodiversity Net Gain solutions
• Be self-motivated with strong communication skills, be able to work as part of a team.
• Be an Associate or Full member of CIEEM or other relevant institute.
• Particular specialism such as ornithology/bats/habitat restoration (desirable but not essential)
• Personal species licences covering bats/GCN/otter (desirable but not essential)