Job Description

Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong now forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. The Ecology team is highly successful, and as part of our ongoing plans, we wish to recruit an experienced Senior/Principal Ecologist to join our dynamic team in Cardiff or Bristol. The ideal candidate will have between 5 to 8 years of post-qualification experience in an ecologically focused role, preferably in ecological consultancy.

Overview of team / business area

You will be joining a supportive team based in Cardiff or Bristol, with the option of hybrid/flexible working. The joining of SLR and Wardell Armstrong brings together a team of approximately 200 ecologists distributed across the UK and Ireland. Our experienced consultants provide expert advice on ecological and environmental issues affecting a broad range of habitats and protected species. Licensed members of our team can deal with great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice, and reptiles. We’re proud of our strong working relationships with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust, Natural Resources Wales, and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The ecology team works alongside several other environmental professionals within the firm, including planners, archaeologists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, and engineers.

The role

Project work will be varied, with a strong focus on renewable energy, infrastructure, residential schemes, and other commercial development projects. Projects will primarily be within Wales and the South West, with occasional work further afield within the UK.

• Managing ecological projects (commensurate with experience), assisting team leads with resource allocation and financial budgets, addressing client feedback, and ensuring effective communication on all projects.
• Producing and overseeing ecological appraisals, reports, licence applications, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, EPS licences, and other similar documents.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• Carrying out ecological surveys as necessary and ensuring surveys meet required standards.
• Assisting team leads with proposal preparations.

About you

• A good level of academic and professional qualifications in ecology or a related discipline.
• Experience managing ecological projects to completion, with reports meeting the standards of planning authorities, Natural Resources Wales, and similar bodies.
• Experience applying for licences, holding at least one Protected Species licence; a bat licence would be advantageous.
• Experience preparing technical reports such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, ES Chapters, Habitat Regulations Assessments, and others.
• Experience applying for mitigation licences from Natural Resources Wales or Natural England.
• Good knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policies, and guidance.
• Qualifying Member or higher of CIEEM.
• A full UK driving licence and access to own car are essential.