Ecologist/Senior Ecologist

Hawk Personnel are actively recruiting for an Ecologist/Senior Ecologist for a property consultancy company based in Horley, Surrey.

The multi-disciplinary property consultancy company have a number of offices within Surrey. Their successful planning and rural teams are now looking to expand by appointing an Ecologist to work alongside their existing Surveyors, Planners & Architectural staff.

The planning and rural teams work closely with the Land & New Homes and Estate Agency teams. They have a broad existing client base, including a large number of farming clients, as well as private and public landowners and developers. They regularly advise on all aspects of planning and rural land management.

They are looking to appoint a MCIEEM qualified Ecologist with at least 3 years’ experience to work between their Planning and Rural teams. The successful candidate is likely to have significant experience in conducting ecological surveys, preparing reports to support planning applications and enhancements opportunities to deliver various levels of biodiversity net gain.

The Ecologist will need to be familiar with the Natural England Biodiversity Metric 4.0 and be able to identify the optimum enhancement measures for sites, such as agricultural land where there are significant biodiversity opportunities which can be used to offset the impact of developments which cannot deliver a net gain on site.

The post offers an excellent opportunity for career progression within an award winning, long established and diverse company.

Key responsibilities:

• Undertake ecological surveys and prepare associated reports, including Preliminary Ecological
• Appraisals, various protected species surveys, Ecological Impact Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain calculations.
• Advise project teams on ecological legislation, policy, and guidance.
• Develop mitigation and enhancement measures for projects.
• Manage and supervise sub-contractors, where appropriate.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of ecological issues, legislation, and best practice
• To represent clients as a professional witness when required
• To liaise with Natural England, Local Authority Ecologist or appointed consultants

Key skills:

• A degree in Ecology or a related field
• Membership of CIEEM
• Good knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation, policy and guidance
• At least 3 years of working experience in ecological practice.
• Experience of preparing Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, protected species surveys, Ecological Impact Assessments
• Ability to write clear and concise letters and reports
• Communicate effectively and diplomatically with clients, other staff and professionals
• Manage workload and priorities and meet deadlines
• Awareness of health and safety
• Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision
• Full driving license and access to car