Principal Ecologist

Are you looking for a new opportunity and a chance to advance in your chosen career?

The Opportunity

Would you like to help drive a small yet dynamic and growing consultancy that manages the challenge of reconciling wildlife conservation with the commercial requirements of clients on a daily basis?

We are looking for a Principal Ecologist to join our wildlife focused ecological consultancy based in the heart of Devon. Depending on the successful candidate, the role is primarily office based in Okehampton, but we will consider hybrid or home-based working for the right candidate.

The role entails;

• Working alongside our Directors to ensure that a high-quality service is delivered to our clients
• Client liaison and development of client relationships
• Managing a wide range of projects from start to finish
• Technical reporting including PEA, EcIA, BNG reporting, HRA and phosphate assessments
• Mentoring our team of ecologists through training, development, support and advice
• Line management of junior staff
• Peer review of documents as part of our Quality Assurance process

What are we looking for?

Essential qualities

• A relevant degree in ecology or related subject and at least five years’ experience of working within a consultancy / nature conservation sector, with significant experience at Senior Ecologist level or above
• In-depth knowledge of ecology, legislation and survey techniques across a range of species
• Excellent written communication skills and proven ability to produce accurate technical reports
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, and lead negotiations with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers, and stakeholders
• Ability to think outside the box and deliver solutions
• Full CIEEM membership

Desirable qualities

• FISC Level 4 or equivalent
• Level 2 class licence to survey bats, alongside experience of EPSL mitigation licencing, either in your own name or as an Accredited Agent
• Experience of line managing staff
• Protected species survey or mitigation licences (not bats)

In addition, the successful candidate should hold a full driving licence, or have other means of undertaking surveys in remote locations.

What we offer in return

Holiday entitlement of 20 days per year (pro-rata) plus bank holidays, a day off for your birthday and minimum of four days between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed (minimum 33 days per annum).

Flexible working arrangements to allow the demands of work to accommodate personal commitments.

Excellent opportunities for training and development, both in-house and through external training as appropriate.

Professional body membership (CIEEM) fees paid, alongside annual fees for protected species licences, and any associated costs (i.e. rabies vaccinations).

Attendance at one UK conference of your choosing each year.

TOIL policy to help manage your time alongside seasonal demands of the job, including an expectation that senior full-time employees undertake no more than one ‘anti-social’ hours survey a week on average.

An employee pension scheme to which Lakeway contributes 5% (the post-holder must contribute 3%).

Health benefits scheme membership.