Lakeway Ecology is a small consultancy and due to ongoing success, we are looking to recruit a new team member. This is an excellent opportunity for someone to develop their career in ecology. You will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of projects, working with experienced ecologists and conservationists.
About Lakeway Ecology
Founded in 2021, we specialize in protected species surveys across Devon, Cornwall and the South West. We are a wildlife focussed consultancy and have the conservation and promotion of wildlife at the heart of our core values. We work with a range of clients, including homeowners, SME builders, local authorities, holiday parks and conservation charities. Our Principal Ecologist is a registered consultant on the Bat Earned Recognition Class Licence, and often works on heritage buildings, giving opportunities for the successful candidate to learn alongside them.
You will be part of a team that manages the challenge of reconciling wildlife conservation with the requirements of clients on a daily basis and sees each project as an opportunity to achieve the best possible outcome for both.
We undertake a wide range of projects ranging from householder extensions to single dwellings and large 100+ housing developments.
The consultancy undertakes the whole range of protected species surveys and mitigation licences, and we will work with you to develop your skills in all aspects of ecology and consultancy, through mentoring by our experienced team and through access to a wide range of professional development opportunities. You will mainly work across the South-West to conduct ecological surveys, including PEA, dormouse, reptile and bat surveys, write survey reports, assist on mitigation strategies and carry out Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments using the DEFRA Metric.
As a senior ecologist, you will also peer review documents as part of our Quality Assurance process, as well as undertake HRA and Phosphate Assessments.
What are we looking for ?
We are looking for a good communicator who is passionate about wildlife, and has good knowledge of the wildlife of Devon and Cornwall, with good time management and organizational skills, and is prepared to work independently and make decisions appropriate to their skill and knowledge level.
For this vacancy we are looking for a good all round ecologist, who has good botanical skills (FISC Level 4) and experience of UK Habs and BNG at all scales. Whilst protected species licences are not essential, we undertake a large number of bat projects and you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in this area. You may also provide input into EPS licence applications and delivery. You will manage/ lead projects in line with your current experience and will be fully supported, ultimately on your own projects of all scales.
Full role descriptions are available below.
Senior Ecologist Role Description and Relevant Skills
Ecologist Role Description and Relevant Skills
What we offer in return
- Holiday entitlement of 20 days per year (pro-rata) plus bank holidays, a day off for your birthday and four days between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed.
- Excellent opportunities for training and development, both in-house and through external training as appropriate.
- Professional body membership (CIEEM) fees paid, alongside annual fees for protected species licences, and any associated costs (i.e. rabies vaccinations).
- Attendance at one UK conference of your choosing each year.
- TOIL policy to help manage your time alongside seasonal demands of the job, including an expectation that full-time employees undertake no more than three ‘anti-social’ hours surveys a week as standard (two for senior roles).
- An employee pension scheme to which Lakeway Ecology contributes 5% (the post-holder must contribute 3%).
- Expenses paid on a weekly or monthly basis.
To apply, please send a copy of your CV, along with a covering letter of no more than two sides of A4, detailing how you meet the requirements of the role and what you could bring to our team.
Applications should be sent to ruth.testa@lakeway-ecological.co.uk. CVs should be entitled with your full name and contain email and phone contact details. We aim to acknowledge receipt of all applications within five working days.
If you have any questions relating to the role or would like to see the full role description, please contact Ruth via email or on 01837 218016.
Applications should be submitted by 1pm 1st November 2024, although we reserve the right to close the applications early if suitable candidates are found.
