Senior Ecologist

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 it's employees? Mott MacDonald is a global consultancy whose people do exactly that.
The environmental demands in the water, transport, buildings and power sectors in the UK and beyond need environmental specialists who can think laterally. In collaboration with ecology colleagues and other environmental disciplines you will be responsible for supporting a variety of multi-disciplinary projects for a range of clients, with a key focus on leading on a range of ecological surveys, managing field data and the delivery of technical reports. Project dependent, the role can span all stages of a project's life cycle, from design conception to implementation; giving opportunities to positively influence scheme design, enhancements and promote best practice. Mott MacDonald are committed to sustainable approaches that protect biodiversity and we actively encourage our clients to do the same.
We are passionate about providing our clients with sustainable solutions by constantly looking at challenges from a fresh angle. For us to continue maintaining our collaborative client relationships and further grow our environmental capabilities. This role will suit a dynamic, proactive individual who wants to work in a growth area of our business and help support the delivery of ecological services in a fast moving, client focused commercial environment.

Candidate Specification

If you think this could be the job you are looking for, then we would like to hear from you. A degree in biology/ecology or a directly related subject is essential and an additional higher degree would be an advantage. We are looking for candidates with a strong combination of the following:

• A degree in biology/ecology or directly related subject is essential and an additional higher degree would be an advantage. We are looking for candidates with a combination of the following:
• A minimum of six years of relevant experience in a similar role.
• Full Member of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or equivalent, and Chartered status (or be working towards this).
• Experience in the UK ecological consultancy market with a strong client facing approach.
• Strong knowledge of wildlife legislation including planning processes and/or EIA/HRA assessments and undertaking surveys.
• Experience in field surveys including Phase 1 habitat survey, UK Habitat assessment, BNG condition assessment and protected species surveys.
• Excellent protected species knowledge and experience; ideally a holder of a protected species licence (more licences would be an advantage) and of Natural England mitigation licences for at least one species (again, more would be an advantage) within the last 5 years.
• Experience in leading on ecological inputs into large-scale projects.
• Proficiency in report writing skills, such as ecological appraisals, survey reports, method statements. Experience in checking reports produced by peers and team members. An attention to detail and ability to produce accurate and concise reports,
• Experience in planning, assisting and delivering baseline or species/habitat specific surveys to fulfil project requirements related to EIA, HRA etc.
• Experience in the production of HRA reports, for plans/strategies and well as projects.
• Experience in the use of the Defra BNG Metric, including baseline quantification, using the metric, and working with wider project teams to develop a habitat/landscaping scheme that achieves the required net gain.
• Willingness to mentor more junior staff.
  

If you meet 80% or more of what we're looking for, please still apply. We understand not everyone will meet all the requirements, but you might have skills we didn't know we need.

The Mott MacDonald ecology practice is an exciting place to be; with over 120 full time ecologists with different skills, specialisms and a strong team spirit. Mott MacDonald prides itself on looking after staff and helping people to achieve their potential. We work with a diverse range of clients and projects that provide engaging opportunities for people working at Mott MacDonald.
We would love to welcome forward-thinking individuals to be part of our growing South of England team; we are recruiting a Senior Ecologist to join in Brighton or Reading.