Senior/Principal Ecologists

Due to our continued success and plans for growth, we are currently seeking experienced and enthusiastic Senior and Principal Ecologists to join our team in Haywards Heath/Portsmouth.

Our award winning (CIEEM Medium Consultancy of the Year 2021 & 2024) teams of ecologists work on a diverse range of projects including habitat creation/enhancement design, river restoration, flood risk management scheme appraisal and implementation, designated site assessment, Biodiversity Net Gain assessment, Ecological Impact Assessment, and protected species and habitat surveys.

As specialists in wetland and riverine environments, we regularly input to multi-disciplinary projects, working with colleagues in engineering, geomorphology, heritage and landscape teams to deliver projects that benefit biodiversity through promotion of natural system functioning and nature-based solutions, whilst also delivering wider benefits such as flood risk reduction, amenity value and landscape improvement.

You’ll be joining an established environmental and engineering consultancy who put sustainability and resilience to climate change at the heart of our company strategy. With offices in nine countries around the world and across the UK and Ireland, we like to think we make a difference. We are independent and employee-owned allowing us the freedom to focus on innovation and our commitment to exceptional client service. Our workforce is central to our success, and we invest heavily in supporting staff development. We are great people to work for. Visit https://www.jbaconsulting.com/ to find out more about what we do.

Your role

Our Senior and Principal Ecologists provide technical expertise and guidance, manage complex projects and contribute to business development to drive growth and innovation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of professionals working in multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions to providing resilience to the adverse effects of climate change.

Many of the projects will relate to our framework success with the Environment Agency, but we also have a diverse portfolio of development and planning projects for local authorities, third sector and private commercial clients.

Responsibilities will include:
- Providing technical expertise and guidance and technical review of other’s work
- Overseeing the development and implementation of ecological survey programmes, impact assessments and mitigation strategies
- Project management, ensuring adherence to quality standards, programmes and budgets
- Undertaking habitat and species surveys and mitigation in varied locations
- Report writing and analysis
- Staff mentoring, professional development and performance feedback
- Sharing of knowledge, best practice and innovation
- Client collaboration, management and development
- Business development, including tender preparation, networking and pursuing new opportunities and clients

The team member we’re looking for

We are looking for highly motivated, organised and conscientious individuals, who demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for ecology. You must be used to working in a team and collaborating with Clients. You will also have excellent interpersonal skills and be an effective verbal and written communicator.

JBA supports agile working which provides for greater flexibility with the way that we work, however it is important to us that you attend the office on a regular basis.

The role will be based at our Haywards Heath or Portsmouth office.

Qualifications

• A BSc and/or MSc degree (or equivalent) in Ecology or closely related subject.
• Have full CIEEM membership. Chartered status would be advantageous, or being on a pathway to chartership.
• Full UK driving licence.

Essential attributes for the role

• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy
• An excellent knowledge and understanding of wildlife and conservation legislation, including the Habitats Regulations
• Excellent ecological field skills covering a range of protected species and habitats
• Experience in authoring and delivering concise, high quality ecological reports including PEAs, EcIAs, HRAs
• Proficient in BNG assessments, including UKHab surveys, condition assessments, metrics and reporting. Able to interpret and evaluate the Statutory Biodiversity Metric to deliver pragmatic solutions for our clients.
• Experience of designing, implementing and managing ecological mitigation schemes, including Protected Species licensing
• Project management and business development experience, including
preparation of quotations and tenders
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver the objectives of large and complex projects
• Be willing to travel and able to occasionally stay away from home

Desirable attributes for the role

• Specialist experience in aquatic, estuarine and/or coastal ecology
• River Condition Assessment (RCA) accredited
• Protected species survey licences (bats and water vole highly desirable)
• Practical understanding of the Water Framework Directive (WFD)
• River restoration techniques
• Habitat restoration/creation and knowledge of nature-based solutions
• Ecological clerk of works
• GIS experience

Location and contact

JBA supports hybrid working which provides for greater flexibility with the way that we work.

The role is available at various different offices, if you would like to know more please contact us. We're always on the lookout for talented, committed and inspiring people to join us in our ambition to lead in the pursuit for resilience to climate change. In return, we offer rewarding careers with continued opportunities and dedicated support for personal development. Build your career with us and help us to build a more resilient future.

For further information or an informal discussion about this position, please contact Glenn Langler on glenn.langler@jbaconsulting.com