Ecologist

The Opportunity

EMEC is an established environmental consultancy delivering ecology, land management and project management services across infrastructure, development and the public and private sectors. Our work ranges from specialist environmental consultancy to major multidisciplinary projects, bringing together our own teams, subcontractors and partners to deliver practical solutions for clients and lasting benefits for nature. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, all our profits go directly to supporting its work for nature.

We are looking for an experienced Ecologist with sound consultancy skills who is ready to take responsibility for their own projects, lead fieldwork and continue developing their technical and professional expertise.

You will work across a varied portfolio of projects, undertaking habitat and protected-species surveys, producing high-quality technical reports and advice, managing standard projects and working directly with clients. You will also have opportunities to work alongside our Land Management and Project Management teams on larger and more complex projects, seeing work through from ecological assessment and advice to practical delivery.

We are particularly interested in candidates who already bring protected-species survey licences and specialist skills. We don't expect one person to cover everything: we are interested in the combination of experience and expertise you can bring to the team and in supporting you to develop further.

What you'll be doing

• Undertake and lead ecological surveys, including habitat and protected-species surveys.
• Produce clear, accurate and high-quality ecological reports, assessments, plans and advice and QA reports by others where appropriate.
• Manage standard ecological projects from initial client instruction through to completion, with senior support available for more complex work.
• Plan and coordinate fieldwork, including other staff, seasonal ecologists and resources.
• Prepare ecological mitigation and enhancement measures and support protected-species licensing where appropriate.
• Undertake UKHab surveys and habitat condition assessments and contribute to BNG assessments.
• Build good working relationships with clients, landowners and other project stakeholders.
• Prepare quotations and scopes for straightforward work and contribute to larger proposals.
• Manage your projects against agreed scope, programme and budget and maintain accurate project and financial information.
• Support and share knowledge with Assistant Ecologists and less experienced colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Ecology, Land Management and Project Management.
• Maintain high professional, health and safety and environmental standards in both field and office-based work.

What we're looking for

You will have good professional ecology experience and be comfortable taking responsibility for your own work and standard projects.

You will bring:

• Practical experience of ecological survey, assessment and protected-species work.
• Habitat survey and assessment skills, including UKHab and habitat condition assessment.
• Good knowledge of UK wildlife legislation, planning and ecological practice.
• Experience of managing ecological projects or defined work packages.
• Technical report writing skills.
• Experience of designing routine ecological mitigation and enhancement measures.
• Confidence working directly with clients, landowners and other stakeholders.
• Good organisation and the ability to manage competing fieldwork, reporting and project deadlines.
• At least one protected-species survey licence or equivalent specialist ecological capability.
• A degree in ecology, environmental science or another relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• A full UK driving licence.

Experience in BNG assessment and HMMPs, additional protected-species licences, botanical survey skills, MoRPh, NVC, mitigation licensing or other specialist ecological skills would be an advantage. We are interested in candidates with different combinations of ecological expertise. Of particular interest to EMEC are bat and/or white-clawed crayfish licensing and experience, otter and water vole, strong botanical skills and other capabilities that broaden the expertise of our team.

Why join us?

Let’s be honest, not all ecological consultancies are the same. At EMEC. we want to do the very best for nature and all of our profits are gift-aided to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust to support conservation directly on the ground.

We also want to do the best for you. Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options
• Generous employer pension contribution
• Health payment plan
• Personalised development programme
• A multi-disciplinary business

Apply Now by submitting a 2 page CV and 1 page cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements as detailed in this advert, Job Description and Person Specification.

Additional Information

• The role involves regular fieldwork, including overnight, evening, early morning and occasional weekend work during survey seasons. EMEC operates flexible working, TOIL and paid overtime arrangements.
• Travel will be required, so a driving licence is essential.
• This post is subject to a Basic DBS Check.
• Interview date: Week commencing 19th October and 26th October

Making your application

Adjustments - If you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible, please let us know by contacting the HR team at [email protected]

Employment checks - We are committed to safeguarding our employees; safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk; and mitigating the risk to our business of financial and/or data fraud. Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment checks with past employers; Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level; right to work checks and driving licence checks (where applicable).

Please do not use artificial intelligence tools to assist you to complete the application form. We may not accept applications that have been completed utilising AI tools. If you would usually use tools such as these to assist you in filling in a form, please contact [email protected] to discuss this further and understand other options.