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Principal Ecologist

Penny Anderson Associates Ltd has an opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to join our long-established, friendly, ecological consultancy based in Buxton, Derbyshire.

This is a permanent post based at our offices, with an option for hybrid working.

We are a small team of dedicated ecologists working across the private and public sectors on a wide range of projects. Our project base is largely centred in the northwest and midlands of England but regularly stretches across the UK. Our core expertise includes providing advice on habitat assessment, creation and restoration, natural flood management, protected species/licensing and biodiversity net gain. We pride ourselves on developing long-lasting client relationships and delivering high quality products.

We are seeking to appoint an established professional ecological consultant that has extensive project management experience, including winning work, planning projects, leading field teams, delivering reports and managing project budgets. You’ll have an eye for detail, an enthusiasm for your subject and a pride in the work that, as team, we undertake for our clients. Ideally you will also have managed a team.

Key qualifications and skills are:

• Ability to manage and deliver on technically complex and challenging projects, including budget management.
• Proven track record in preparing complex tenders for, and delivering high quality products/reports to, a range of clients.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards, legislation, planning and policy.
• Demonstrable skills and experience of assessments, especially PEA, EcIA, EIA and HRA.
• A technical specialism, ideally including one or more protected species licenses.
• A working knowledge of UKHabs and the Defra Metric.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organisational and time management abilities.
• A commitment to ecology as a profession and a drive to further develop skills with appropriate training/support.
• A relevant degree or equivalent.
• A full UK driving licence.

Additional desirable qualifications and skills could include:
• Chartered status or working towards this.
• Experience of managing staff / line management.
• Experience of public inquiry or similar.
• An understanding of Nutrient Neutrality and/or Water Neutrality.
• Expertise in ecohydrology and/or geology and soils.
• Knowledge of environmental schemes such as ELM Scheme, Peatland Code or similar.

We can offer a competitive salary along with a range of benefits including optional hybrid working.

Please send your CV and covering letter detailing your skills and experience in the areas identified to recruitment@pennyanderson.com Closing date for applications is 9th February 2024.