Ecologist

Ecologist
(CL18 licence minimum)
Are you an experienced Ecologist with a Level 2 (or higher) bat licence, looking to take the lead on technically challenging projects across the UK? At SOCOTEC, you’ll join a growing and highly respected ecology team, delivering work across the infrastructure, utilities, development and conservation sectors, while helping to shape the future growth of our ecology services.
This is an exciting opportunity to excel as an Ecologist, taking a leading role in providing ecological expertise and supporting the continued success of our business. This is a nationwide role.
As SOCOTEC continues to grow and develop, we are expanding our teams and have an excellent opportunity for an experienced Ecologist to join our Environment & Safety Division and wear the SOCOTEC badge with pride.
We are looking for a proactive, reliable and flexible Ecologist to join our Environmental team. To thrive in this role, you’ll need to be comfortable working autonomously and taking ownership of projects, while also being a strong team player and providing support and mentorship to junior colleagues. Experience within ecological consultancy, alongside comprehensive knowledge of the industry, is essential.
Where applicable, we will also provide support and mentoring towards MCIEEM and CEcoP chartership
The tasks you will undertake will include (but are not limited to):
Lead and conduct a wide range of ecological surveys, including surveys for bats, birds, reptiles, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and other protected species
Independently undertake bat surveys utilising your Natural England Level 2 (or higher) bat licence and apply for mitigation licences with Natural England
Prepare and deliver high-quality Preliminary Ecological Appraisals and Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments
Produce comprehensive ecological survey reports and technical assessments to professional standards
Lead fieldwork operations, ensuring accurate data collection and maintenance of detailed field notes
Undertake 'out-of-hours' surveys, including ecological watching briefs and protected species survey works
Manage complex ecological projects from inception to completion
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members
Maintain accurate and well-organised data records in accordance with industry standards
Take full responsibility for project management, ensuring deadlines are met and work is completed to the highest standard
Contribute to business development activities including tender preparation and client liaison
Support related environmental works such as soil and groundwater monitoring where required
To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:
Hold a Natural England Level 2 Class Licence (or equivalent) with demonstrable experience of independently leading bat survey programmes and contributing to mitigation licensing.
Hold full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
Proven experience in leading ecological surveys and assessments
Ability to manage projects independently with minimal supervision, delivering on time and to a high standard of quality and safety
Strong technical report writing and communication skills
Competence in contributing to proposals, tenders and other allocated business operations
Capability to manage workload effectively to meet operational performance and financial targets
Commitment to continuous professional development to enable the ongoing success and growth of the business
Excellent planning and organisational skills to ensure effective delivery of projects
Thorough understanding of quality and financial systems, ensuring compliance at all times
Ability to maintain and manage all safety and survey-related equipment within your area of responsibility

Skills
Excel, Project Management, Business Development

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Yes