Associate Ecologist

Key Requirements

• Full Member of CIEEM (MCIEEM) or an equivalent chartered professional body.
• Chartered Status either CEnv or CEco.
• Degree in Ecology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable ecological consultancy experience across a range of sectors and project scales.
• Demonstrable commercial experience in either work winning or project delivery.
• Demonstrable client relationship management experience.
• Significant consultancy experience.
• Liaising with stakeholders including clients, planning authorities, and conservation bodies.
• Demonstrable ability to provide clear, succinct and robust technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, and protected species surveys.
• Thorough knowledge of wildlife legislation and the planning system leading to confidence in providing technical advice to clients.
• Full range of survey skills including habitat surveys and protected species surveys
• BNG experience
• Attention to detail and the ability to deliver contracts on time and to budget
• A client-focused approach where the commercial element of each project can be understood and appreciated
• Full driving license
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate authoritative knowledge in the following areas:
• Specialist on species and/or habitat survey, including developing new and innovative fieldwork, able to identify rarer/cryptic species and assess population sizes of challenging species;
• Leads the design of sustainable evidence-based plans and projects in complex situations;
• Influences the provision of advice on interpretation of legal, policy and international standards and regulatory compliance, and is recognised as an authority;
• Communicates complex information, adopting styles appropriate to the audience, effectively to a range of audiences. Is able to manage conflicting viewpoints and influence and lead others;
• Leads inter-disciplinary teams in dealing with complex situations, agrees solutions through collaboration in highly complex situations;
• Leads a culture of quality and excellence, including reporting to external stakeholders and development/revision of quality management systems or procedures. Builds networks and trusted partnerships;
• Responsible for management and delivery of multiple complex projects including programme and financial management;
• Responsible for establishing organisational procedures for data and document management, data sharing and security for complex scenarios, designing and developing software solutions.
• Why work for us?
• We offer a competitive and supportive rewards package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. This includes Life Assurance, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and paid professional memberships such as CIEEM. We’re committed to continuous development, offering a blend of internal and external training opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career.
• As part of our inclusive culture, you’ll have the opportunity to join our monthly Neurodiversity Café, take part in community action days, and benefit from our family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave options. While we value time spent together in our offices to collaborate and stay connected, most roles offer hybrid working and open conversations around flexibility.
• You’ll also enjoy 25 days’ holiday, regular performance and development reviews, and the chance to collaborate across the wider Origin Group, especially within our growing family of Environmental businesses.
• We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.
• Visit our website to learn more — and grow with us.
• #growwithus