Southern Ecological Solutions

Senior Ecologist

About SES

We are a specialist Ecological, Arboricultural and Landscape consultancy that prides itself on having the same core values that it did 15 years ago when we were founded. We have experienced sustainable growth throughout this period and have become renowned by our clients for our pragmatic, solution-based approach to consultancy. We work for a variety of clients ranging from multinational prestigious organisations to one off small projects for homeowners.

SES is part of the RSK Group who are a conglomerate of approximately 177 individual businesses operating within the environmental, engineering, and technical services industries. Being part of this wider network of UK and international businesses run by entrepreneurs, provides SES with the perfect springboard for growth as a team and as individuals.

Our Team

We are passionate about the quality of service we provide. We understand that by providing a personalised and professional service we are helping to secure the future growth of the company. We are professional, pragmatic consultants who strive to meet the needs of our clients and to deliver a product we are proud to put our name to. Based in Essex, SES has a team of 52 qualified ecologists, landscape architects, arboriculturists, and coordination and support staff.

Why Join Us?

SES are seeking an experienced Ecologist to join our highly skilled ecology team on a full time, permanent basis to be located at our Downham office near Billericay in Essex.

At SES we will provide you with a unique opportunity to develop by exposing you to a diverse schedule of work, helping you to progress your career with us. Full training and support will be given to allow you to grow rounded skill sets such as project management, technical expertise and client management skills. We ensure that everyone has a continuous professional development plan in place that means all staff achieve their personal goals. We take pride in developing our people and allowing them to grow into the consultant they want to be, this ethos has created a highly motivated team which deliver bespoke ecological solutions to our clients, providing the platform for growth and the opportunity for new people to join our exciting company.

Over the last five years, we have grown within the infrastructure sectors and support a number of clients with their programme of rail and power network improvement schemes. Our ecological work includes due diligence reporting, land appraisals, expert witness, project management, habitat design and creation, protected species surveys and ecological impact assessments and as a core member of the team, you will have an opportunity to work on a variety of exciting and interesting projects.

There are also opportunities for flexible working hours, working from home, social activities and community involvement projects to achieve a good work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively engage as a member of the ecology team and wider SES team promoting the business and maintaining company reputation and standards.
• Carry out field surveys as required including planning and managing own time and scheduling to facilitate project deadlines.
• Conduct Preliminary Ecological Appraisals in accordance with published guidelines, across a variety of sites / projects.
• Provide coherent and timely project management including, coordination of project milestones, key dates, and on-site survey timetables across multifaceted projects, whilst ensuring  compliance with statutory requirements, policy and recognised standards.
• Input to project planning and programming, including advising on management of risk and value for money in the context of ecological matters.
• Provide advice on the scope and range of ecological assessments required to inform projects, site management and decision-making processes.
• Assist in the co-ordination of ecological surveys, taking ownership for the delivery of surveys associated with own projects.
• Communicate the findings of ecological assessments and their implications to project teams, managers and decision makers.
• Produce good quality written reports such as ecological constraints reports, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, and protected species reports in a timely manner.
• Provide advice on ecological mitigation and enhancement measures, including the mitigation hierarchy, biodiversity net gain, precautionary working methods, mitigation licences etc.
• Prepare client quotes/tenders that are appropriate in relation to the clients’ needs and are deliverable within the clients’ expectations (supported by Principal Ecologists/Directors for more complex quotes/tenders).
• Deliver professional, ethical, high quality ecological consultancy services to a variety of clients.
• Maintain and develop good working relationships with existing and new clients.
• Maintain and develop the good working relationships developed between SES and Local Planning Authority ecologists/biodiversity officers involved in the planning process.
• Ensure that you follow company health and safety policies and procedures, engage with all H&S initiatives and communications, and actively take responsibility for your own personal safety. (See company H&S handbook and company polices and procedures)
• Take ownership of your development as a consulting ecologist by liaising with more experienced members of the team / management to ensure technical risks and implications are covered.
• Provide technical assistance and training to less experienced, or non-specialist staff, to enable delivery of their role, including involvement in formal mentoring schemes.
• Undertake technical review of other team members’ work, e.g. reports, quotes.
• Understanding the implications of all outputs and responsible for all outputs of self and team members.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of industry changes, best practice guidelines, legislation, and policy.
• Keep all personal records, timesheets, and trackers up to date and in accordance with company policy.
• Take time and care in keeping all work areas, storage areas and office space safe and tidy and well organised ensuring shared equipment and vehicles are looked after, tracked correctly and damage or faults reported.

If you like the sound of our company and would like to join our team, then we would love to hear from you. Please confirm that you have the following skills and experience before applying.

Essential

• Relevant degree(s) in ecology and or relatable experience..
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Significant vocational experience (minimum of four years’), demonstrating development through involvement in a series of progressively more demanding relevant roles with experience including managing multi-faceted projects, undertaking a variety of surveys and supervising less experienced team members.
• Up-to-date and in-depth knowledge and understanding of ecology related legislation and policy and its practical application in a UK context. This should include an understanding of species protection legislation and licensing requirements, as well as an understanding of statutory designated sites and associated legislation and processes, including Habitats Regulations Assessments.
• Awareness of any new statutory requirements for example those emerging from the Environment Act 2021, including Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Broad knowledge of ecological survey/assessment methods, including good habitat survey and classification skills in a broad range of environments, using widely recognised classification systems.
• Good species identification skills across a range of taxonomic groups.
• Understanding of the application of relevant protected species planning policies; NPPF & Local Plans in relation to development.
• Understanding of the application of the current protected species mitigation licensing processes
• Experience in ecological assessment, protected species survey, and for development projects for example housing, commercial, transportation, and power.
• Understanding of scientific method, interpretation of ecological data and evidence-based reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient working knowledge of MS Office programs, in particular Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Attention to detail along with excellent communication skills at all levels.
• Pro-active and organised mindset with the ability to multi-task and prioritise busy workloads efficiently.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and work in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Able to formally train and mentor other professional staff.
• Full UK driving license with access to your own vehicle and within a commutable distance to our office.

Desirable

• A licence holder for one or more protected species, including low impact licenses for bats, great crested newts and/or badgers.
• Named Ecologist on one or more European Protected Species Mitigation Licences.
• Familiarity with Biodiversity Net Gain and HRAs.
• Experience with GIS mapping.

Benefits of working with SES:

• Competitive salary
• Increasing holiday entitlement for every year of service
• Extra day off on your birthday
• Flexible working
• Childcare voucher scheme
• Generous benefit package
• Overtime – subject to requirement
• Company mobile phone and laptop (role dependant)
• Training budget and progression plan
• Opportunities to develop your career with a growing business
(All subject to the terms of the company handbook)

SES are an equal opportunities employer

SES will strictly refrain from demonstrating bias or prejudice towards individual differences which will be valued and protected. People will be given the chance to work in a discrimination-free environment which will help everyone feel that their worth and rights are respected.

Apply

Please apply to Hazel@ses-eco.co.uk

Closing Date: 23/06/2023  Location: Essex