Connect Plus Services (CPS) is a joint venture contract made up of Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, Atkins and Egis. The contract maintains and operates the M25 DBFO including surrounding roads on behalf of the Highways Agency and provides an excellent opportunity to work on one of the busiest networks in Europe.
The Structures Asset comprises over 2400 individual highway structures ranging from small span structures to the QEII Bridge at the Dartford River Crossing.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the team that manages and improves one of the busiest motorways in Europe - the M25.
We are looking for a Junior Ecologist to join our vibrant, innovative Environmental Team working on a wide array of projects across a diverse array of habitats.
Overview
Key Responsibilities/Duties:
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 certain species, forming an ecological corridor through urban or intensive agricultural areas. At Connect Plus Services, our Environment Team strives not only to protect the wildlife and vital habitats within our verge but we also aim to go above and beyond to enhance these habitats to their full potential.
Main Purpose of the Job:
To organise and carry out ecological surveys and assist with environmental impact assessments on the M25 DBFO. To collaborate with our multi-disciplinary teams to provide ecological advice to designers and contractors on site. To assist the Ecologist with development, implementation and monitoring of environmental improvement schemes utilising Highways England’s Environmental Designated Fund.
· Assist the Ecologist to design, plan and eventually lead field surveys (Phase 1 habitat and protected species surveys).
· Write up survey findings into technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA) and protected species reports.
· Ecological inspections of soft estate and balancing ponds, data input using GIS Collector App and preparation of reports.
· Assist the Ecologist in advising contractors and design engineers on ecological matters, giving toolbox talks where necessary.
· Assist with the development of biodiversity Environmental Designated Fund improvement schemes.
· Liaise with other members of the Environment Team to input the information into the network database.
· Assist with completion of environmental impact assessments of schemes.
· Assist with calculation of biodiversity units and design mitigation for no net loss/net gain.
· Ecological Clerk of Works duties.
· Other Environmental Team tasks as required.
Working Arrangements (Need for travel etc.):
· Current UK driving licence (required).
· Travel around M25 network.
· To be based in CPS offices at South Mimms (preferred) or Dartford.
· Occasional night / weekend work may be required for ecological supervision.
Person Specification
Qualifications / Skills / Experience:
· Minimum of a 2:1 degree in a relevant biological, ecological or environmental management field.
· Membership 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 hazel dormice.
· A good understanding of survey and assessment of UK habitats and protected/ notable species and some proven ecological survey, ecological mitigation and site management experience.
· Working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
· Competent in Microsoft Office Applications.
· Understanding of relevant UK and EU nature conservation legislation.
· Full, clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel and, when appropriate, to use own vehicle to undertake fieldwork.
· Understanding of the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
· Knowledge of ISO14001 and Environmental Management Systems.
· Some Highway industry experience (preferred).
· Previous consultancy, Phase 1 survey and protected species survey experience (preferred).
· Knowledge of biodiversity units (preferred).
· Good botanical identification skills (preferred).
· Knowledge of landscape management techniques (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.
Flexible approach to working hours at peak times and a willingness to work occasional longer/ unsociable hours when required
