Assistant Ecologist

Overview

The M25 DBFO, despite being one of the busiest motorways in Europe, comprises a huge, connected area of primarily wild verge habitat which provides valuable habitat for a wide range of biodiversity.  Often these undisturbed habitats offer the only viable habitat for some species, forming an ecological corridor through urban or intensive agricultural areas. At Connect Plus Services we strive not only to protect the wildlife and vital habitats within on the highway verge, but we also aim to go above and beyond to enhance these habitats to their full potential. This role sits within a multi-disciplinary our Environment and Sustainability Team working with Designers and Project Managers and the Construction Team to ensure positive ecological outcomes for all works on the network.

Main Purpose of the Job:

To organise and carry out ecological surveys and assist with environmental impact assessments on the M25 DBFO. Assist Biodiversity Advisor with No Net Loss/Net Gain calculations. To assist the Biodiversity Advisor with the development, implementation and monitoring of environmental improvement schemes utilising Highways England’s Environmental Designated Fund. To collaborate with our multi-disciplinary teams to provide ecological advice to designers and contractors on site.

Working Arrangements (Need for travel etc.):

• Current UK driving licence.

• Travel around M25 network.

• Significant amount of site assessment work.

• Office will be partly at home and partly in CPS offices at South Mimms (preferred) or Dartford (when it is safe to do so after the Covid outbreak).

• Some night / weekend work may be required for ecological supervision.

• This role is available part time, job share or full time. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people are not available full time

• We offer a flexible approach to office working hours

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

• Design, plan and undertake Phase 1 Habitat, UK Habitat Classification and protected species surveys.

• Assist with biodiversity unit site assessments and calculations using Defra Metric 2.0.

• Write preliminary ecological assessments and protected species reports.

• Ecological inspections of soft estate and balancing ponds, input data using Geographical Information System (GIS) Collector App.

• Advise contractors and design engineers on ecological matters, including giving toolbox talks.

• Assist Biodiversity Advisor with biodiversity scheme development.

• Liaise with GIS, Specialist to collate ecological information.

• Assist with environmental impact assessments of schemes.

• Ecological Clerk of Works duties.

• Qualifications / Skills / Experience:

• Degree in a relevant biological, ecological, or environmental management field.

• Membership or working towards of a professional body relevant to ecology, such as the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management.

• Working towards one or more of any European Protected Species licences issued by Natural England – preferably for great crested newts and/or hazel dormice.

• Good understanding of survey and assessment of UK habitats and protected species

• Proven Phase 1 Habitat Survey, ecological mitigation and site management experience.

• Basic understanding of Defra Biodiversity Metric 2.0

• Basic understanding of UK Habitat Classification

• Working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems.

• Understanding of relevant UK and EU nature conservation legislation.

• Understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment process.

• Good botanical identification skills (preferred)

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent communicator, with the ability to work well alone or as part of a team.

• A creative thinker and problem solver.

• Good time management skills, and ability to act autonomously.

• An interest and ambition to develop your career within the environmental management industry.