Graduate Ecologist

An Ecologist role supporting infrastructure projects through ecological surveys, environmental monitoring, and stakeholder coordination in diverse natural habitats.

About the Role 

As a result of our ongoing workload with Kier, we are looking for Graduates and experienced Ecologists to aid with project delivery of a large infrastructure project in Bridgwater. This project is situated adjacent to the Somerset Levels with a wide variety of ecological interest including water voles, otters, breeding and wintering birds (including Schedule 1 marsh harrier), bats, great created newts and reptiles.  

Your main role will be based on site with duties will including undertaking checks and review of the implemented on-site ecological mitigation, client communications, undertaking surveys from walkovers to protected species surveys, co-ordination with contractors, and reporting. You will work alongside the Ecology Lead to aid with resource planning, risk assessment production and bid work, thereby having an opportunity to increase your commercial skills alongside your technical work.  

In addition, the Pell Frischmann ecology team work with a diverse range of schemes and you will be involved with activities on a variety of projects from road, water, rail or housing, throughout the UK. The location of the role will be based out of Bridgwater while on site with your home office in Exeter. Whatever the location some travelling can be expected with stays away from home. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for ecological field work and reporting and overseeing the delivery and management of a range of ecological deliverables. They will need experience in delivering on-site environmental and ecological advice and will be required to contribute to the development of more junior ecologists within the business. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

You will be responsible for a range of tasks incorporating the following elements, with a goal of progressing your career with us and enabling you to excel within a diverse environment.  

• Leading and co-ordinating the technical elements of ecological projects as required whilst ensuring high levels of safety, quality and environmental responsibility 

• Undertaking ecological surveys including ecological walkovers and habitat assessments, protected species surveys inclusive of bats, great crested newts, badgers, riparian mammals etc. with appropriate training and supervision as required 

• Be responsible for the technical quality of your own and the team’s survey, analysis and reporting in accordance with good practice guidance, ecological legislation and the Pell Frischmann internal quality systems 

• Project co-ordination with good commercial awareness and financial control, ensuring deliverables meet the client’s needs and are provided cost effectively and to an exemplary standard 

• Working in conjunction with project stakeholders including clients, and statutory consultees to achieve project aims whilst encouraging a high level of environmental protection; 

• Engage in business development, client and third-party liaison successfully leading to enhanced reputation, new and repeat work 

• Advocating the team’s services internally to our framework managers and technical leads 

• Assist with the promotion of the capabilities of the company to current and prospective clients. 

• Ensure compliance with internal management system procedures 

• Ability to work well in a team and use initiative to resolve issues arising in the field 

• Strong analytical, critical thinking and organisational skills 

What Qualifications, Experience & Skills are required? 

Qualification 

• Under / postgraduate degree in Ecology, Environmental Management or a related discipline 

• A current CSCS card or equivalent. 

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) 

Experience 

• Relevant experience in a similar capacity as an Ecological Clerk of Works 

• Experience surveying a range of UK habitats and protected species (incl. but not limited to bats, badger, otter, water vole etc.) 

• Previous experience of working within an engineering organisation 

• Demonstratable post study experience in a similar role 

Skills 

• Full UK driver’s licence and access to your own car  

• Good knowledge of relevant UK and EU wildlife legislation including conservation of protected species 

• Competent report writing skills including PEA and protected species survey reports 

• Excellent communication skills, in particular an ability to convey ecological / environmental requirements to contractor teams 

• Sound knowledge of environmental constraints  

• One or more European Protected Species licences 

• Competent user of technology for ecological surveying