Principal Ecologist

Overview

Chaffin Works are industry leaders in the delivery of site clearance, tree surgery, fencing, landscaping, grounds maintenance and ecological consultancy for commercial and public sector clients across the South East, we are renowned for providing high quality services for our clients, having an excellent company culture and are well known for our development of colleagues.

As a Principal Ecologist you’ll manage all ecological aspects of projects ensuring best practice is embedded throughout our processes to delivering works to a very high standard. You’ll help prepare competitive bids and tenders, manage site surveys and approve ecology proposals and reports for both technical robustness and branding.

Role responsibilities may include:

• Provide specialist knowledge to all team members in regard to ecology matters Managing large/complex projects
• Provide specialist advice to clients in regard to safeguarding ecology on a variety of commercial sites. Providing advice on best practice.
• Create habitat surveys, protected species surveys etc. and generate a commercially presentable report for clients.
• Undertake surveys (including dusk/dawn and night time works) ensuring relevant paperwork is completed and submitted to the QA in accordance with company policy.
• Manage on site ecological issues including relocation (where appropriate licences etc are in place) of animals and advising on best practice if protected species are identified offering mitigation / alternative working methods where appropriate.
• Review RAMS and ensure suitable resources are in place for any ecological sensitive works (where appropriate advising colleagues for other site works).
• Analysis, evaluation, interpretation and presentation of ecological data
• Technical report writing including production of preliminary ecological appraisal reports, ecological impact assessments, and protected species licence applications
• Performing the role of an Ecological Clerk of Works on construction projects

In return you’ll get to work on exciting key projects, and we’ll provide the support and development you need as you work towards gaining licences to work with different protected species.

To be successful in this role you’ll have:

• Experience in managing large/complex projects in the ecology sector within a professional consultancy company
• A passion for inspiring and mentoring other members of the team
• A thorough understanding of UK survey methodology following relevant legislation, guidelines and best practice.
• Experience conducting preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA), protected species surveys and/or habitat surveys
• Report writing experience including PEA reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, HRA’s and protected species licences
• A degree in Ecology, Environmental or Earth Sciences or a related discipline
• CIEEM membership
• Eligible for CEnv/CEcol
• Protected species survey licence (desirable)
• Current and full driving licence and willing to travel to sites and work nights where necessary