We are seeking to appoint an experienced senior ecologist, based in our Norwich office, to be involved in all areas of our work but with an emphasis on dealing with protected species issues, in particular bats. Expertise in invertebrate identification and sampling would also be an advantage.

The successful candidate will be expected to manage staff and individual contracts, in order to deliver high quality ecological consultancy services within budget and to meet deadlines. They will also be involved in costing work and preparing tenders. This may involve: liaising with clients, other consultants and consultees; acquiring data from third parties; organising and supervising sub-contractors and other TEC staff; undertaking field work, preparing maps and writing and editing reports.

• You must be able to demonstrate excellent management skills, to oversee a busy and varied workload and to supervise field staff undertaking, amongst other things, protected species surveys and assessments, Phase 1 habitat surveys and ecological Clerk of Works and Watching Brief roles on construction contracts.
• Be required to undertake survey work, in particular for protected species.
• Be required to prepare and submit European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) licences for bats and other protected species as required.
• Be required to take on and manage individual contracts, in order to deliver high quality ecological consultancy services within budget and to meet deadlines. This will involve: liaising with clients, other consultants and consultees; acquiring data from third parties; organising and supervising sub-contractors and other Ecology Consultancy staff; preparing maps and writing and editing reports.
• Assist with the general running of the Norwich office, in co-operation with other staff.
• Help with the marketing and promotion of the company by assuming the role of team lead for the Norwich office and liaising with the Marketing Team.
• Be involved in the delivery of Continual Professional Development sessions (CPD) to existing and potential clients on subjects such as Wildlife & Development.
• From previous management roles, you should be able to demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in respect of quality assurance, delivery of contracts on time and within budget, and improving the quality of work produced by those you have managed.
• Candidates will have developed excellent relationships with clients and have experience of attending meetings with clients and design teams at a senior level
• They will have detailed knowledge of relevant aspects of UK and EU environmental legislation and confidence when advising clients on wildlife issues during the development process, as well in liaising with statutory bodies, planning authorities and NGOs.

The project-based nature of our work means that there will be a requirement to undertake such travel as is necessary to successfully carry out contracts. This may include overnight stays and, possibly, longer periods of working away from home.

Person specification

The Senior Ecologist will

• Have an appropriate degree(s)
• Be a Full Member of the IEEM
• Have a minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience covering Phase 1 and habitat surveys, EIA and HRA, as well as BREEAM and CfSH
• Four or more years report writing in a professional role, including production of non-standard research led reports.
• Be able to critically review own work and possess a minimum 2 years of reviewing others work, including Phase 1 survey reports, protected species survey reports and ES chapters
• Excellent communication skills to enable effective liaison with clients and colleagues
• Min 2 years of managing a team largely focussed on protected species surveys and assessments
• Have a particular expertise in bat ecology and be in possession of a survey licence
• Must be competent in the survey of one or more of the following key protected: great crested newts, badgers, reptiles, dormice, water voles, birds
• Have experience of writing EPSM licences for one or more of the following: bats, great crested newts, dormice. Ideally, have been a named ecologist on one or more EPSM licence.
• Have an interest and preferably some expertise in invertebrate ecology
• Experience of producing ecology chapters as part of EcIA for complex projects.
• Must respond promptly and professionally to clients and be able to advise and to consult with colleagues if necessary. Evidence of effective relationships with a number of important clients, offering advice and guidance
• Up to date knowledge of EU and UK legislation and policy
• Up to date knowledge of, and familiarity with, survey guidance for a range of protected species
• Be proficient in Customer Service and able to deliver and lead training events and workshops, both internally to TEC and externally to clients and other stakeholders
• Be personable, a team player and experienced with client interface
• Full clean driving licence

What do we offer?

• Based in Norwich
• Salary on a scale £26,980 - £35,700 p.a. depending on skills and experience
• 25 days leave
• Annual increment subject to satisfactory performance
• Staff support/mentoring
• Generous Training budget
• Flexitime and TOIL
• Pension scheme

Applications (Your CV and a covering letter) must be received by 25th May, 2012 and emailed to
Jane Kendall or posted to 6-8 Cole Street, London, SE1 4YH

The duties described in this job description must be carried out in a manner which promotes equality of opportunity, dignity and due respect for all employees and clients and is consistent with the company’s Equalities Policy.