Consultant Ecologist - East Anglia (Home Working)

HCUK Group is recruiting a Consultant Ecologist to work under our Ecology Manager within a well-established multi-disciplinary environmental practice. This role would require a mix of project management and fieldwork, to service clients that are navigating the planning and development process.

We offer a varied and interesting portfolio of projects where there is potential crossover with our heritage work in relation to historic buildings. Furthermore, opportunities arise through our landscape and archaeology teams, working across a range of sectors such as mixed-use, residential and commercial developments and renewables. You will be working within a well-regarded consultancy, with an opportunity to develop your career within a supportive, friendly environment.

We are ideally looking for someone based in the home counties or nearby e.g. Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire etc. The role is home working, with the exception of site visits/meetings. Projects can be nationwide, although projects outside of the home counties are predominately managed by our network of subcontractors across the UK. Quarterly company meetings and social events are typically held in London.

The Role:

• Undertaking field surveys, including UK Habitat Classification surveys and protected species surveys.
• Producing concise, high quality, technical reports in line with CIEEM guidelines, including desk-based assessments, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), protected species reports, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.
• Ensure projects delivered through HCUK are compliant with the relevant legislation, planning policies and environmental legislation.
• Tendering and building client relationships.
• Project management, including survey planning, delivery, and deadlines.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified with a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science or related experience.
• Membership of CIEEM or equivalent.
• Good level of proficiency in ecological surveying techniques, data analysis, and report writing, with a focus on PEA, protected species and BNG.
• A solid understanding of UK wildlife legislation, planning regulations and environmental best practice.
• Attention to detail and committed to delivering a high quality of work.
• A full driver’s licence and access to your own transport.
• Eligibility to work in the UK – the job is UK based.
• At least two years’ experience working in commercial consultancy.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Holding or working towards one or more protected species survey licence (e.g. bat, barn owl, dormice, or great crested newt).
• Botanical knowledge (FISC Level 3 desirable).
• qGIS and Coreo capability (although support will be provided).

Who You Are:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to build good relationships with colleagues and foster collaboration.
• A highly organised individual with a proactive approach and ability manage varied workload demands.
• Able to work effectively on your own in a home-based role, with support of a wider team and network of subcontractors.

What’s on offer?

• A great opportunity to join a new evolving area of the business, within a friendly, small supportive team.
• An interesting role within an established, collaborative environmental practice.
• Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Home working, with meeting attendance as required.
• Travel expenses paid.
• Private healthcare (post 3 month probation).
• 5% pension contribution (post 3 month probation).

HCUK Group is an equal opportunities employer.