Job Title: Principal Ecologist Location: Petersfield, Hampshire and South East Salary: Competitive Job Type: Full time / Permanent About Us COOMBES UK are a leading Arboricultural and Forestry Contractor, with over 20 years experience and expertise in the Forestry sector. We have forged a strong industry reputation, and we believe we have an unrivalled skill set and peerless knowledge of Forestry work at all levels. COOMBES play a key role within the Rail industry, providing a whole manner of off:track solutions, and minor civils works, in partnership with Network Rail and other major contractors. Following recent, significant growth, we currently have some exciting projects underway in woodland management, timber harvesting, rail and civils works across the UK. We have a strong record of achievement and are committed to meeting the growing demands for safe and efficient delivery. A family:run SME, we believe in working collaboratively and operating as one team. Our success is only achieved through the hard work, dedication and skill of our people. Operating with transparency and integrity in all that we do, we take responsibility for our actions, empowering and supporting each other to be the best, most authentic version of ourselves consistently. About The Role As our Principal Ecologist, you will lead on and provide expert support, training and guidance to develop COOMBES ecological management strategies, plans and budget costs alongside our Environmental Manager. Duties And Responsibilities As our Principal Ecologist, you will be responsible for: Establish and manage Ecology resources within the company Advising on environmental legislation, keeping key stakeholders informed of any changes, updating company policies and procedures as required Produce technical reports in a timely manner and to requirement Coach, mentor and develop colleagues in this area, providing feedback and support Leading on/undertaking ecological surveying and logistics planning across our sites Undertake, supervise and train colleagues with PEAs, ECiAs and HRAs Leading on/providing training and support for protected species surveys/reports, ecological data collation, analysis, monitoring and reporting Playing an active role in maintaining and developing the Environmental Management System to include internal updates and support with external audits Mentoring/supporting the professional development of junior members of the team About You To be successful as our Principal Ecologist, we would ideally like you to have the following skills/experience: CIEEM membership (or working toward/willingness to obtain) Experience managing ecological projects from conception to completion, including Phase 2 surveys Understanding/application of habitat identification using UKHab methods and botanical species identification (FISC Level 4 minimum) Detailed, working knowledge of UK legislation and policy PTS Class 2 Survey licence(s) for protected species Experience of working within rail/on infrastructure projects would be advantageous but is not essential. Benefits Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually) Company vehicle and fuel card Annual bonus (based on company performance) Company pension scheme Training opportunities and support with personal/professional development Employee Assistance Programme : to support mental/physical health and provide legal/financial advice if required Access to online GP service for you/your family 24/7 Rewards and discounts for retail/leisure and more Regular social events like our Summer Family Day and The COOMBESmas (Christmas) party Length of service awards to celebrate significant milestones Opportunities to support COOMBES Social Value objectives (community volunteering/fundraising, etc.) Please click the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role Candidates with