Senior Ecological Consultant (Ref 01007)
Details of the Post
TNEI is looking to add a Senior Ecological Consultant to the Planning and Environmental Team.
The role will involve taking the lead on and managing the ecological aspects of renewable energy projects during the feasibility, planning and post-planning stages.
The position will be based in TNEI’s Newcastle office. The Job will be based in TNEI’s Newcastle office but will include 1-2 days a week out on site, all over the UK. Overnight stays will occasionally be required
Duties and Responsibilities
- Undertaking extended Phase 1 Habitats Surveys, to include identification of the need for Phase 2 protected species surveys and production of associated reports.
- Carrying out on-site feasibility assessments to identify potential ecological constraints.
- Undertaking desk-top ecological and ornithological data searches.
- Appointing and managing ecology sub-consultants to undertake Phase 2 protected species surveys.
- Conducting technical reviews of Phase 2 protected species survey reports and assessing the need for additional work.
- Utilising survey reports and baseline information to undertake ecological and ornithological impact assessments (EcIA) as part of the EIA process, in accordance with methodology published by the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM).
- Carrying out bird collision risk assessments as part of ornithological impact assessments.
- Writing ecology and ornithological chapters to incorporate into Environmental Statements.
- Liaising with external consultees where required during the planning process e.g. Natural England, Local Planning Authorities, local ecology interest groups.
- Liaising with clients where required to ensure the provision of a high quality, integrated planning and environmental service.
- Working closely with the in-house project manager to ensure ecology surveys and related assessments and reports are completed to quality, programme and budget.
- Providing ecological advice on an ad-hoc basis to the internal Planning and Environmental Group.
- Undertaking general EIA management.
Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will be a reliable, organised and enthusiastic person, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills have the ability to work as an individual and as part of a team. You should be a qualified ecologist with a proven track record working as a consultant ecologist.
Essential
- A degree in ecology, environmental biology or similar discipline.
- Membership of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM).
- A full clean UK driving license.
- Three - five years experience of applying ecological principles to a range of projects, preferably within an environmental consultancy framework.
- Experience of undertaking ecological surveys and impact assessments.
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant European and UK wildlife legislation and available ecological impact assessment guidance.
- Be familiar with legislation and relevant published guidance relating to the field of Environmental Impact Assessment.
- Experience in undertaking extended Phase I habitat surveys and identifying the need for protected species surveys, with the ability to recognise key ecological constraints at a project feasibility stage.
- Demonstrate good project management skills.
- Competent to technically review the content of ecological reports produced by others and to write Environmental Statement chapters.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc, Postgraduate certificate) in ecological conservation or management or a related discipline.
- Experience of undertaking bat surveys (roost, activity, emergence) and/or bird surveys (breeding birds, vantage point bird surveys) would be welcomed, as would knowledge of, and/or licenses for, other protected species.
- Experience of negotiating, designing and implementing ecological mitigation measures as part of pre and/or post project construction phases.
- Experience of preparing evidence and appearing as an ecological witness at public inquiry.
- Work experience within the energy sector would also be an advantage, in particular relating to wind energy developments.
TNEI can offer a competitive salary, a flexible working environment, pension and private health insurance schemes, an annual bonus and an opportunity to get involved in the rapidly expanding Renewable Energy Sector.