At Atkins we offer more than just a job. We offer an opportunity to make a difference and shape the world to benefit future generations and the natural environment.
As CIEEM’s Large Consultancy of the Year 2018, the Atkins ecology team are one of the most respected in the UK. We have a reputation for technical excellence, innovation, award winning and actively shaping the future of the ecology industry. We are now seeking to expand our team with an experienced hire of a new Senior/Principal to join our well-established and growing team of over 30 ecologists in the Midlands in our Birmingham, Bristol or Derby offices.
We have a team of over 70 ecologists based in offices around the UK that are committed to providing specialist ecological advice in connection with infrastructure, development and other projects. You can expect to manage and lead protected species surveys, licensing and mitigation, habitat assessment, creation, restoration, management and monitoring, biodiversity offsetting, green infrastructure and Environmental Impact Assessments.
Our close-knit team of ecologists works closely together nationally with technical networks for specialisms and opportunities to develop areas of strength with like-minded experts. We encourage the production of papers/articles and support our staff in presenting their work at conferences. Our competency framework and professionals programme are designed to help people progress in their career to chartership and beyond. The dynamic and influential relationship between our ecology team and our engineering, planning and design colleagues, combined with the support of our unique in-house professionals programme, provide exceptional opportunities for ecologists to develop both their technical and commercial skills.
We value flexible working within our team and would encourage working from different offices across the region, flexible working hours and working from home as part of regular working.
As one of the world’s leading engineering, environmental and design consultancies, Atkins offers opportunities for talented ecologists to work on a wide variety of projects. Our award-winning ecology experts combine technical excellence with a pragmatic approach to ensure that both biodiversity and our clients benefit from our innovations.
Still unsure? See what our ecologists have to say about working at Atkins: https://careers.atkinsglobal.com/ecology-careers.
Responsibilities
For this position there will be opportunities for technical collaboration with our ecologists throughout the UK.
You will be supported in developing your career through formal training and through working alongside national experts. You will:
• Take a lead role in delivering ecology on major infrastructure projects;
• provide technical support to the Midlands ecology team and beyond;
• mentor and support the development of junior ecologists;
• manage and lead the ecological input to a varied range of projects across different sectors;
• lead field surveys for a range of habitats and species;
• plan and co-ordinate ecological mitigation works;
• provide ecological advice to clients and contractors;
• undertake reporting of a range of ecological deliverables;
• liaise with stakeholders (e.g. Natural England);
• work within deadlines and budgets;
• prepare bids and help win work for the team;
• manage your own time and workload in collaboration with other team members;
• continue to develop your technical skills, meeting CPD requirements; and
• work effectively as part of a team with ecologists and other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planners) throughout Atkins to provide a consistent and integrated service to clients.
If you think you are the right person to join our team and can demonstrate the qualifications experience criteria below, then please do apply.
Requirements
Qualifications
• A degree in a relevant discipline;
• Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM);
• Chartered Ecologist or Chartered Environmentalist status would be a distinct advantage.
Essential Criteria
• A passion for biodiversity and ecology;
• Experience as a Senior Ecologist in a similar (i.e. consultancy) role;
• A good understanding of the role of consultants within the commercial sector;
• Accomplished at Phase 1 habitat surveys and a range of protected species surveys, ideally with an area of specialism;
• Experience in writing a range of high-quality technical reports and proposals (experience of checking technical reports and proposals would be a distinct advantage);
• Experience of undertaking Ecological Impact Assessment, protected species development licence applications and implementation of mitigation on site;
• Experience of project co-ordination, production of bids and management of budgets;
• Botanical skills and/or a survey licence for one or more protected species;
• Demonstrable integrity and commitment;
• Demonstrable collaborative and pro-active approach to work with ecology team members, clients and other professionals;
• Good planning and organisational skills, including taking responsibility for managing your time;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Proficiency in standard IT applications, including Word, Excel and email; and,
• An understanding of the importance of health and safety risk management.
Training
Atkins develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help you make the best of your abilities and talents. These are reviewed with individuals through an annual appraisal process. We actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.
Rewards and Benefits
We offer professional development opportunities, competitive salaries and flexible benefits that you can tailor to suit your lifestyle. We also support volunteer days in the UK so you can take up to 2 days each year to take part in fundraising activities, carry out community work or whatever is close to your heart.
Please refer to our website for details of our full benefits package. https://www.yourrewardatkins.com/#welcome
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.
