Principal Ecologist (Belfast)

We are seeking to recruit a Principal Ecologist to join our growing team to help lead technical excellence and business growth. We are keen to hear from applicants with a wide range of backgrounds/specialisms and would welcome applications from experienced senior consultants looking for the next step in their career. The position will be based in our Belfast office and may require travel, occasional overnight stays throughout the U.K., and further afield depending on project requirements. We are a flexible employer and are willing to consider flexible working arrangements that are desirable to you.

A positive place to work, Mabbett aims to implement the motto ‘See a Difference’ in everything that we do.

The Role

This role is for a Principal who will have responsibility for leading and developing our Belfast ecology team. Responsibilities will include planning and allocating work for the team, checking work and oversight of quality of output, management of team performance, training, and general day-to day support. You will also work with our Ecology Manager and our other Principal consultant, based in the north of England, on integration of the northern and southern teams and on ensuring technical excellence across our Ecology Team as a whole.

The selected candidate will work within a supportive and driven team focusing on business development, successful project delivery and client satisfaction.

Some travel is involved, for which a company pool car is available and for which a valid driving licence will be required.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and position requirements.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a BSc and/or MSc in Ecology or related discipline and Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

Competence

We are keen to hear from applicants with a wide range of backgrounds/specialisms and a wide range of competencies are considered to be relevant for this role. These may include:

• Habitat surveys including Phase 1, UKHab and National Vegetation Classification (NVC).
• European Protected Species survey and licensing.
• Ornithology.
• Leading and managing ecology, ornithology and EcoW project teams.
• Production of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters.
• Production of Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) reports.
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), construction site operations and delivery of pragmatic mitigation solutions.
• Ecological project management.
• Communicating successfully with individuals at all levels.

Experience

We are keen to hear how your professional experience can help us to deliver high quality ecology projects and support our team growth. We will expect applicants to be able to demonstrate some or all of the following:

• Excellent understanding of Northern Irish and Irish wildlife legislation, good practice guidance for ecological surveys and assessments and the planning process in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
• Strong background/specialism in one or more areas of ecological survey and assessment (e.g., plants/habitats, birds, other protected species)
• Strong project management abilities across a range of project types e.g., EIA chapters, Habitat Management Plans, monitoring plans and/or Construction Environmental Management Plans.
• Strong experience as an ECoW or Environment Manager.
• A successful track record of leading ecology project teams in Northern Ireland/Ireland.
• Strong report writing skills and communication with clients and other staff members.
• Experience of writing and coordinating EIA chapters.
• Experience of writing HRA reports.
• Experience of managing project budgets and financial reporting
• Experience of line management/ supervision of junior staff.

About Mabbett

Mabbett is an Equal Opportunities Employer and offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits programmes including contributary pension scheme, funded professional membership and one paid for volunteer day each year. Mabbett supports career development to include active participation in membership of professional organisations and growth opportunities.

To Apply

For further information on this vacancy and/or to apply for this position in complete confidence, please submit a CV and Covering Letter (via ‘Apply for this Position’ above), identifying how your qualifications, experience and attributes match the job description above. Potential candidates are also requested to provide an indication of their salary expectations.