Overview

We are looking for a Senior Ecologist to join our expanding Nature and Biodiversity team. In this role, you will be part of a small team that influences a wide variety of diverse and interesting projects across the UK, from urban renewal and regeneration schemes to helping local authorities integrate nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and resilience into their planning frameworks.

Based from any of our UK offices with hybrid working arrangements, you will not normally be required to undertake surveys outside of normal office hours or work on large-scale infrastructure projects. You will be a key member of a multidisciplinary project team, able to influence the integration of biodiversity into urban regeneration projects and wider sustainability and climate resilience strategies.

This is an opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team in a bespoke organisation that values innovation and real outcomes that make a difference. The Nature and Biodiversity team shapes entire projects by being involved at the outset and putting strategies in place to protect the environment, determine biodiversity priorities and weave best practice and net gain into project delivery. Our focus on strategic level projects results in a highly varied and interesting workload.

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.

Your next role

Be part of an exceptional team that embraces technically demanding projects and challenges. Be at the forefront of industry changes such as reducing embodied carbon and modern methods of infrastructure design.

Key Duties

• Carrying out site walkovers to identify ecological constraints and opportunities on projects
• Preparing, and/or guiding others to prepare ecological reports and biodiversity net gain assessments
• Project management, including resource planning, and managing budgets effectively
• Managing and mentoring more junior team members
• Advising on biodiversity restoration/enhancement and integration of green infrastructure and other nature-based solutions to secure biodiversity gain and strengthen climate change resilience measures
• Attending workshops/meetings and sharing ideas with design teams
• Developing and costing proposals and providing input into marketing materials

Your skills & experience

We’re looking for someone with experience of working in UK ecological consultancy and a good general knowledge of legislation and policy regarding UK ecology and protected species. You should be able to think laterally to advise on biodiversity solutions that provide wider climate and social benefits and discuss these in design team workshops and with clients. Specific skills include:

• Experience of undertaking UK Habitat surveys and condition assessments
• Experience of producing and reviewing ecology reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Ecological Impact Assessments, Ecology Chapters for Environmental Impact Assessments, Construction and Ecological Management Plans and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans
• Experience of the application of Biodiversity Net Gain, including completion and review of the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
• The ability to manage projects proactively to ensure that clients are informed of any issues and potential solutions as early as possible in the planning process
• Good report writing skills and attention to detail
• Good client-facing skills and the ability to effectively communicate ideas verbally
• An interest, or experience in, mentoring more junior staff to help them develop their own careers
• Commitment to advising on best practice across all projects and keeping up-to-date with relevant ecological legislation and policy guidance
• Being an Associate or Full member of CIEEM or similar
• A positive, solutions-focused and collaborative approach to working within the team, encouraging independent thinking, innovation and a supportive working environment

What we offer

• Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum, exclusive of Bank Holidays
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Private Medical Health
• Company Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Flexible Benefits including Cycle scheme, Dental insurance, Optical Cover, Travel insurance and Corporate discounts
• Early leaving at the end of the month — finishing at 3pm on the last Friday of each month (subject to business needs), which can equate to additional leave per year

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values flexible approaches to working patterns as part of achieving balance. We welcome applications from those seeking flexibility in their careers. Our exceptional portfolio of projects reflects diverse thought, identities, backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to increasing representation in the built environment and invite applicants from underrepresented groups. If you need adjustments to the application process, please contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can support you throughout your application.