Principal/Associate Ecologist

Principal/Associate Ecologist

Here at RSK Biocensus, part of the wider RSK Group we are looking for an experienced Principal or Associate level Ecologist to join our team either based in Helsby or Leeds.

You will be self-motivated and proactive, responsible for managing and overseeing major projects from commencement to completion and close-out. You may also be responsible for a geographical area or specialist discipline.

You will also be expected to be able to coordinate some of the largest RSK tenders (not necessarily limited to your own discipline) and have excellent client relationships to ensure future major tender opportunities come into the business. You will be expected to take on additional responsibilities within the RSK Ecology business, demonstrating excellent communication skills with team members, peers and senior management, and developing business strategies.

You will continue to build your profile and reputation, consolidating and sharing your knowledge through networking, personal endeavour and training. You will undertake all work with an appropriate level of care and attention, leading by example.

Key Responsibilities:

• Commissioning and directing ecological fieldwork; providing ecological advice on complex ecological issues.
• Overseeing the production of a wide range of technical reports, directing their completion and reviewing, as necessary, to meet the standards required.
• Designing/leading research projects.
• Assessing the ecological impacts of developments or changes in land management, and developing/ designing mitigation and monitoring proposals for large and complex projects.
• Assisting colleagues when they are under pressure to meet clients’ expectations.
• Leading meetings with colleagues, clients and stakeholders and positively influencing the discussions; resolving conflicts to meet clients’ objectives.
• Determining the appropriate action for legislative breaches; determining appropriate courses of action; preparing casework.
• Taking a proactive role in mentoring staff towards their full potential, leading by example, and supporting a quality-led culture

Key Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of business management to support the company directors.
• Have a good understanding of the market conditions that are important to RSK Biocensus’ business and able to contribute to setting strategic business targets.
• Show a good understanding of client needs and drivers, and how these differ between sectors, and be able to build and retain the respect and trust of clients.
• Have an excellent knowledge and understanding of your technical discipline (including current methods, legislation, techniques and guidance), and how these apply in complex situations, and be able to support and train others in understanding these.
• Be fully familiar with ecological impact assessment (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and the British Standard for biodiversity (BS42020), and apply these with care in your work (including in complex scenarios)
• Have a good understanding of ecological principles and survey techniques, and be able to identify a range of fauna or flora associated with broad habitat types, also having an in-depth knowledge of a specific taxon or range of taxa, and associated survey, mitigation and management techniques
• Be proficient in appropriate species-handling techniques within specialism (as relevant)
• Have the ability to design and carry out more complex ecological surveys within your chosen field(s)

Personal Attributes:

You will be to delegate effectively to other staff, setting shared objectives and ensuring they are exposed to the right level of work for their capabilities and to meet the requirements of the client communicate confidently with peers relating to project work, whilst understanding your limits and knowing when to ask for help. You will also have a track record in mentoring staff, either in their technical discipline and/or in project management.

Being an excellent listener and communicator with colleagues and clients relating to project work, business goals and the promotion of RSK will be pivotal to this role within RSK Biocensus.

Salary and Benefits:

• £42,000 – £58,000 (Depending on Experience)
• Company paid life assurance
• Contributed pension scheme
• Discounted Gym Memberships
• Regular career training and development
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays,health cash planand discounted gym membership.

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About Us

Biocensus offers leading consultancy and contracting services in the ecological sector. Our interdisciplinary teams have operated