PRINCIPAL ECOLOGIST

RPS, a Tetra Tech company is looking for a Principal Ecologist to join our East of England ecology team, based in Norwich or Cambridge. We’re interested in candidates based in Norfolk, Suffolk and the Lincolnshire area. We will consider remote workers.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• You will have sound knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation relevant to the role
• You will be competent in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments (FISC level 4 highly desirable but not essential)
• You’ll be able to design and complete a range of typical ecology surveys, and interpret the findings to inform robust ecological assessments and deliver pragmatic solutions to clients
• You’ll have experience designing/ delivering ecological mitigation including protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
• We are looking for a team player – someone to support our small team as we grow, but also the ability to work independently.
• Good time keeping and communication skills are important to us.
• You will hold a full UK driving licence, insured for business purposes, and be willing to travel to sites throughout the region (some level of overnight accommodation may be required).

QUALIFICATIONS/ LICENCES/ CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Ecology or closely related field.
• CIEEM Membership
• Hold at least one protected species survey licence (great crested newt and bats highly desirable)
• FISC Level 4 highly desirable but not essential

• Lead and manage complex ecological projects as part of a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, residential, and commercial projects throughout the East of England, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
• Author, and peer review, a range of ecology reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Environmental Statement (ES) Ecology Chapters
• Contribute to the development of the team through providing in-house training, support and line management to junior team members
• Work collaboratively as part of a team of ecologists
• Lead negotiations with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers, and stakeholders
• Complete Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, interpreting and evaluating the Biodiversity Metric to deliver pragmatic on- and off-site solutions to our clients
• Project management including preparation of fee proposals/ tenders, invoicing and management of project finances
• Design and implement ecological mitigation strategies including mitigation licences for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and water vole