Ricardo Energy & Environment is a leading sustainability consultancy combining energy, climate change, environmental and chemical risk expertise with strong IT and economics capability. Operating across the world, we work in partnership with our customers to help transform the way they work, empowering business leaders with award winning consultancy advice. With unrivalled sector insight and a reputation for producing innovative solutions, we offer a stimulating and rewarding environment in which to work.
Our environmental team have worked tirelessly to support key clients with essential work throughout the Covid-19 outbreak following a smooth transition to home-based, and where necessary, flexible working patterns. Our ecology team are looking to re-enforce and grow our dynamic and experienced team as we look to support clients entering periods of significant investment in environmental services.
Purpose:
Our Water & Environment practice has a strong project portfolio and we are looking for an Aquatic Ecologist at Consultant grade to join our team. You will join colleagues in providing technical support on a variety of water management and ecology projects, across a wide range of clients in the water, developer and public sectors. You will be expected to contribute as part of a wider national team, working closely with colleagues in Manchester, Bristol, Harwell and London in particular.
The position offers a diverse role, supporting projects and clients across the UK, and occasionally beyond, carrying out projects encompassing a hydro-ecology focus.
Key accountabilities:
You will be responsible for the safe and effective implementation of environmental surveys for aquatic ecology along with the production of high-quality reports. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in water quality monitoring and pollution incident response work.
You will be expected to liaise with clients and sub-consultants and help to prepare fee proposals and author technical reports. This will include baseline reports, Species Reports,. You will be guided and supported by our Director of Ecology, as well as the local ecology Team Leader.
The nature of the role and the dynamic of the team provides a wealth of opportunities to explore your interests and carry out a range of tasks and functions within aquatic ecology, as well as a range of related disciplines. There is also a degree of flexibility over which facets of the role you become most invested in: be it a more technical focus; project management; developing bids and tenders; or, a more generalist role. Conversely, there will be times where you need to be adaptable and open minded regarding the work you undertake, particularly during busy periods of large projects or bids.
The key competencies and experience plus desirable experience for the role are listed below. The list is not necessarily exclusive, and we are willing to discuss applications from candidates who are particularly strong in certain areas, but who may not meet all the criteria.
Key competencies and experience:
- A degree in a relevant subject, such as ecology or other biological sciences, and/or a relevant postgraduate qualification;
- A broad understanding of UK and EU Wildlife Legislation, planning policies, licensing requirements and best practice survey techniques;
- A broad understanding of WFD assessments, in particular the biological metrics and indices that inform ecological status;
- EcIA and WRMP options appraisal understanding and/or experience would be an advantage;
- A thorough understanding of undertaking surveys safely and to a high quality standard
- Good report writing skills, especially ecological survey reports and assessments.
- Demonstrable specialist ecological knowledge, such as fisheries, macroinvertebrate skills and/or survey skills for one or more protected species;
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM);
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; be able to produce meticulous and accurate technical reports as well as communicate confidently with clients and stakeholders; and
- Be organised with proven ability to multi-task and handle several projects simultaneously
Skills and behaviours:
A self-starter, as you’ll be part of a small and very busy team. Excellent team working skills are therefore essential together with strong communication skills, sound understanding of ecological impact assessment and a close attention to detail.
Whilst fieldwork skills are needed for this role, there will be a large component of office-based coordination, data analysis, client contact and report writing
What we offer
This is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with the opportunity to make a difference. What sets us apart is our People. You will work with an exceptional team of talented, dedicated and supportive individuals. You will have a fantastic opportunity to develop your career with us through our broad range of projects, mentoring opportunities and a personalised approach to your learning and development.
Our People are important to us and we take pride in our wellbeing programmes and policies that support individuals including flexible working, carers policy, mental health first aiders and readily available support through our extensive Employee Assistance programme.
Ricardo Energy & Environment has an ambitious diversity, equality and inclusion approach as explained in this message by our CEO.
Once you have submitted your application a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role and in some cases, we may start to review applications prior to the closing date.
If you require any support with your application, please contact [email protected]
