Senior Ecologist

First Ecology is looking for a senior ecologist to join our team, contributing to our mission
of creating a Wilder Somerset!

First Ecology is the consultancy arm of the Somerset Wildlife Trust, dedicated to excellence in upholding best practices while delivering pragmatic project outcomes. We recruit and train talented individuals to provide top-tier technical advice and support for diverse development and conservation projects across the south-west, UK. Specialising in ecology with developing expertise in arboriculture, land advice and land management services, we collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and have built a broad customer base across public, private, and commercial sectors. Our positive approach and strong work ethic have established a varied project portfolio, from minor habitat management to national development projects.

Your work with us not only promises a rewarding career but will also contribute to First
Ecology and the Somerset Wildlife Trust’s collective mission of creating a Wilder Somerset.

THE ROLE

The role involves managing the ecological aspects of small to large scale, complex projects for
a range of commercial and conservation organisations. You will be providing and coordinating
the delivery of standard and specialist services to enable planned works to proceed in
accordance with statutory requirements whilst also delivering biodiversity gains. The role also
provides the opportunity to build on our existing customer networks and, along with colleagues,
grow the ecology team to deliver services to an exceptional standard beyond statutory and
legislative compliance.

For more details about the role, please refer to the job description and person specification
provided in the link via our website.

REQUIREMENTS

• Educated to at least degree level or equivalent standard or have demonstrable relevant work
  experience.
• 5+ years’ experience of working within an ecological consultancy or similar professional
  role with project management responsibility.
• Detailed understanding of current best practice habitat (including Biodiversity Net Gain)
  and species guidance, and ecological legislative and planning requirements.
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to undertake manual work outdoors in safe weather conditions and
  during anti-social hours.
• Personal qualities and professional conduct consistent with First Ecology’s values.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a personal vehicle.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without sponsorship.

BENEFITS

• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays and three additional days discretionary leave at
  Christmas.
• Flexible working hours and anti-social survey limits.
• Hybrid working/working from home, if desired.
• Paid membership of CIEEM and class licence fees.
• Paid training as part of an individual CPD commitment and the opportunity to progress
  professionally.
• Comprehensive Time Off in Lieu system.
• 7% employer pension contribution.
• Access to company pool vehicles.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Predominantly local work with minimal overnight stays required.
• Working alongside a multi-disciplinary, positive and friendly team.

Somerset Wildlife Trust has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan and is committed to
continuing to improve the equality, diversity and inclusion of every aspect of our work; we
know we need to engage with everyone to live our values and achieve our goals. We welcome
applications from everyone and are happy to discuss any accommodations or arrangements that
would make the recruitment process better for you, and the working environment should you be
employed.

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to make a positive impact on the environment, take your career to new heights
and contribute to the charitable efforts of Somerset Wildlife Trust, apply now! Send your CV
and covering letter to [email protected] 

The closing date for applications is the 5th April 2024. Please note we will review
applications throughout the advertising period and may close the advert early if a suitable
candidate is found.

CONTACT DETAILS

Contact name: Helen Ward

Contact telephone: 01823 652425

Contact email: [email protected] 

No recruitment agencies please.