Atkins, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operations UK are part of a consortium, creating Connect Plus Services, a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways asset care from finance, through to design, build, maintenance as well as day to day operation.
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. Lead on identification and execution of Biodiversity Net gain calculations. To develop, implement and monitor environmental improvement schemes. Provide mentoring to Assistant Ecologist. 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 and ecological surveying 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:
- Undertake ecological surveys.
- Good plant identification skills and willingness to develop.
- Provide ecological advice to designers and contractors on site.
- Undertake Extended Phase 1 or similar habitat surveys for Biodiversity Metric calculations.
- To lead on the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric 3 Appraisal Tool (or as adapted for Highways England).
- Contribute to the build-up baseline Metric data for the DBFO Co.
- Assess post-scheme Metric data using scheme proposals and developing such proposals with the Assistant Ecologist.
- To undertake environmental assessments.
- Data input using GIS Collector App and preparation of reports.
- Advise on biodiversity metrics, ecological matters and habitat/conservation management.
- Development of ecological Designated Funds schemes with biodiversity metrics in line with the Road Investment Strategy 2 and 3 periods.
- Calculating biodiversity off-setting units required.
- Supervision of contractors undertaking works on site.
- Support the EIA team by providing baseline and post-scheme biodiversity calculations and Ecological advice where necessary.
- Other Environmental Team tasks as required.
Working Arrangements (Need for travel etc.):
- Current UK driving licence.
- Business Needs car will be supplied.
- To be based in CPS offices at South Mimms with significant travel (approximately 10k miles per annum) around the M25 network.
- Significant field surveys during Spring and Summer.
- Lone working may be required.
- Occasional night work may be required to support ecological supervision.
Qualifications / Skills / Experience:
- Minimum of a degree in a relevant ecological or environmental management with demonstratable practical work in Phase 1 or similar surveys.
- Membership of a professional body relevant to ecology, such as the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management.
- Working knowledge of the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric 2 calculation, UK Habitat Classification and tools.
- Holder of one or more of any European Protected Species licence issued by Natural England – preferably for great crested newts and hazel dormice.
- Proven ecological survey, ecological mitigation and site management skills.
- Previous project management experience or delivery of environmental improvements preferred but not essential.
- Working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Understanding of landscape management techniques.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Understanding of the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
- Knowledge of ISO14001 and Environmental Management Systems.
- Some industry experience preferable but not mandatory.
- Competent in Microsoft Office Applications.
Personal Attributes:
- Ability to communicate at all levels of the organisation.
- Excellent communicator and team player.
- Passionate about implementing biodiversity change supported by using existing tools.
- A problem solver.
- Good time management skills, and ability to act autonomously.
- An interest in developing your career within the environmental management industry.
Why work for Atkins?
Our Transportation teams are reinventing transport for a challenging yet exciting future. We're creating new ideas and smart solutions for cities, people and the environment. You'll be working alongside some of the top people in our industry, solving challenges that bring together traditional engineering and new technologies. As part of our organisation, you'll be in a privileged position, delivering what's right for governments and communities. You'll be helping us to improve our leading environmental performance while enabling others to do the same.
Meeting your needs:
To help you get the most out of life in and outside of work, we offer employees "Total Reward." It's a package that can be tailored to your changing lifestyle, career and personal needs. You'll enjoy benefits such as partner discounts, leadership training, professional, accreditations, and career planning for any stage of your career.
Making sure you're supported is important to us. So, if you identify as having a disability, tell us ahead of your interview. And let's talk through any adjustments you might need.
Read more about 'Total Reward'.
More about us:
Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is a leading global consultancy with over 80 years of design and engineering expertise. With us, you'll be surrounded by the skills, knowledge and support to help you succeed.
Together, we can deliver projects which have a positive, sustainable impact on the world.
Atkins, ranked as one of LinkedIn’s Top 25 Companies, where UK professionals want to work and stay once they join.
Check out some of our recent, most exciting projects.
Training:
Atkins is committed to developing its people both personally and professionally. Our colleagues have the advantage of access to a high ranging training portfolio and development activities designed to help make the best of individual’s abilities and talents. We also actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.
Additional Information:
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.
We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.
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