Principal Ecologist (Norfolk Wildlife Services)

NWS is one of the leading ecological and arboricultural consultancies in Norfolk. We have built a reputation for delivering high quality, pragmatic, solution-oriented consultancy services with nature conservation at their core. Our clients include large commercial partners working on high profile projects, local authorities, smaller architectural and housing development firms as well as individual homeowners with smaller-scale requirements. All our profits are donated to our parent charity, Norfolk Wildlife Trust for the benefit of nature conservation in Norfolk.

When you join NWS you will be joining a small, friendly and supportive team motivated to achieve the best they can for nature. The work is varied with plenty of opportunities for professional and personal development and a high degree of job satisfaction.

This role

Our focus is on providing high quality ecological and arboricultural expertise to ensure our client’s projects move forward while ensuring protection and benefits for nature and wildlife.

About You

We are looking for someone with a degree in ecology or its equivalent and membership of CIEEM. In addition, you will hold relevant protected species licenses (levels 1 and 2 for bats) and ideally be eligible as the Named Ecologist on mitigation licenses within the past three years

With five years’ experience as a Senior Ecologist or Principal Ecologist you will have:

  • Extensive experience of habitat and protected species surveys and writing habitat management plans.
  • Knowledge and experience of Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA), BNG assessments along with experience of working with the planning and development of infrastructure, construction and green infrastructure projects.
  • Sound knowledge of UK and EU wildlife legislation and policy.
  • Experience of leading, managing, motivating and monitoring the performance of individuals and teams.
  • Experience of complex work programmes and budgets management.
  • Excellent written skills and the ability to write clear and concise technical reports and constructively review reports written by others.
  • A valid UK driving licence and access to own transport with business insurance use.

In return we can offer you a competitive salary and generous pension contribution as well as other personal benefits including comprehensive sick pay, life insurance, a commitment to ongoing professional development and staff discounts.

We are happy to discuss part-time or flexible working and how we can support your responsibilities outside of work.

More details can be found on our website.