Associate Ecologist

Associate Ecologist

About Brooks

Brooks Ecological has over 20 years' experience of delivering ecological surveys and advice to planners, regulators and conservation organisations. We pride ourselves on our reputation for the high quality of our service, clarity of presentation and ongoing client care.

As a friendly, ethical company, we are selective about the projects we undertake. We pride ourselves on sustainability, operating a fleet of fully electric pool cars powered by renewable energy sources.

With clients ranging from local authorities, house builders, schools, charities and householders, we offer an exciting variety of projects and the chance to be part of a growing, collaborative team.

We are seeking an Associate Ecologist to play a key role in, the continued growth, commercial performance and reputation of the business and the wider profession. To lead and deliver ecological projects, provide technical expertise, manage client relationships, support business development activities, and contribute to the strategic growth of the ecology team. The Associate Ecologist will ensure high-quality project delivery while mentoring junior staff and maintaining compliance with relevant environmental legislation and industry best practice.

The role will include:

• Leading complex ecological consultancy projects from inception through to completion.
• Providing technical and commercial leadership across a range of ecological projects.
• Managing project programmes, budgets, risks and resources to ensure successful delivery.
• Leading the development and maintenance of strong relationships with clients, regulators and project teams.
• Leading business development through networking, tender/bid management and identifying and selling new services/opportunities.
• Leading mentoring, development and delivery of training across the ecology team.
• Ensuring the delivery of high standards of health and safety, quality assurance and professional practice.
• Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environmental solutions.

Key Requirements:

• Full Member of CIEEM (MCIEEM) or an equivalent chartered professional body.
• Chartered Status either CEnv or CEco.
• Degree in Ecology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable ecological consultancy experience across a range of sectors and project scales.
• Demonstrable commercial experience in either work winning or project delivery.
• Demonstrable client relationship management experience.
• Significant consultancy experience.
• Liaising with stakeholders including clients, planning authorities, and conservation bodies.
• Demonstrable ability to provide clear, succinct and robust technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, and protected species surveys.
• Thorough knowledge of wildlife legislation and the planning system leading to confidence in providing technical advice to clients.
• Full range of survey skills including habitat surveys and protected species surveys
• BNG experience
• Attention to detail and the ability to deliver contracts on time and to budget
• A client-focused approach where the commercial element of each project can be understood and appreciated
• Full driving license

Candidates must be able to demonstrate authoritative knowledge in the following areas:

• Specialist on species and/or habitat survey, including developing new and innovative fieldwork, able to identify rarer/cryptic species and assess population sizes of challenging species;
• Leads the design of sustainable evidence-based plans and projects in complex situations;
• Influences the provision of advice on interpretation of legal, policy and international standards and regulatory compliance, and is recognised as an authority;
• Communicates complex information, adopting styles appropriate to the audience, effectively to a range of audiences. Is able to manage conflicting viewpoints and influence and lead others;
• Leads inter-disciplinary teams in dealing with complex situations, agrees solutions through collaboration in highly complex situations;
• Leads a culture of quality and excellence, including reporting to external stakeholders and development/revision of quality management systems or procedures. Builds networks and trusted partnerships;
• Responsible for management and delivery of multiple complex projects including programme and financial management;
• Responsible for establishing organisational procedures for data and document management, data sharing and security for complex scenarios, designing and developing software solutions.

Why work for us?

We offer a competitive and supportive rewards package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. This includes Life Assurance, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and paid professional memberships such as CIEEM. We’re committed to continuous development, offering a blend of internal and external training opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career.

As part of our inclusive culture, you’ll have the opportunity to join our monthly Neurodiversity Café, take part in community action days, and benefit from our family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave options. While we value time spent together in our offices to collaborate and stay connected, most roles offer hybrid working and open conversations around flexibility.

You’ll also enjoy 25 days’ holiday, regular performance and development reviews, and the chance to collaborate across the wider Origin Group, especially within our growing family of Environmental businesses.

We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.

Visit our website to learn more - and grow with us.