Ecologist

Danny Sullivan Group are currently recruiting for an Ecologist for a role with a large civil engineering contractor specialising in water projects, tunnelling and pipeline works.

They are looking for a candidate to join them to work across AMP8 projects that they have across the UK and to build their ecological side of the business in line with company growth. Ideal candidate would have practical experience on similar project types or in the civil engineering sector.

Responsibilities:

1. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) & Strategy

BNG Calculation:
Lead the mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain assessments using the statutory metric for all new water infrastructure assets.

Habitat Creation:
Oversee the design and implementation of onsite and offsite habitat banks to offset project footprints.

Strategic Advice:
Advise the design team early in the project lifecycle to "design out" ecological risks, saving millions in potential delays.

2. Fieldwork & Licensing

Surveys:
Conduct and oversee Phase 1 Habitat surveys and protected species surveys (Great Crested Newts, Bats, Water Voles, Otters, and Badgers).

Licensing:
Act as the named ecologist on European Protected Species (EPS) licenses and manage the relationship with Natural England or Nature Scot.

EcOW Role:
Act as the Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW), providing tool-box talks to site teams and ensuring the "Construction Environmental Management Plan" (CEMP) is followed.

3. Stakeholder & Regulatory Liaison

Regulator Management:
Interface with the Environment Agency and local planning authorities to clear ecology-related planning conditions.

Data Management:
Utilize GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to map ecological constraints and provide real-time data to Project Managers.

Experience/qualifications:

Education:

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Management, or a related field.

Professional Status:
Full membership of CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management) is highly preferred.

Contractor Mindset:
You understand that "The project must move forward." You are a problem-solver who finds ways to mitigate environmental impact without halting construction.

Previous experience in the Water sector or on linear infrastructure (pipelines/highways) is a distinct advantage.

Licenses:
At least one specialist survey license (e.g., GCN or Bat) is essential.

This role would come with salary up to 70k as well as company car, bonus, benefits and strong pension. Excellent career opportunities and chance to build your own department within this progressive contractor.