Overview
RPS, a Tetra Tech company, is looking for a Principal Ecologist who can be based in any of our England offices.
Our Ecology team delivers ecological services to support renewable energy, residential, commercial and infrastructure projects across the region, including offshore wind developments and onshore wind and solar. We work with a mix of commercial and residential market projects to help deliver clean energy.
Your Impact
Join RPS to make a real difference using cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world‑class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change. This role offers opportunities for career growth and lasting impact.
What You Will Be Doing
* Lead and manage complex ecological projects as part of a diverse portfolio of renewable energy, residential, and commercial projects in the East of England, including Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
* Author and peer review a range of ecology reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA), and Environmental Statement (ES) Ecology Chapters.
* Contribute to team development through in-house training, support, and line management of junior team members; work collaboratively as part of a team of ecologists.
* Lead negotiations with Natural England, County Ecologists, Local Authority planning officers, and stakeholders.
* Complete Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, interpreting the Biodiversity Metric to deliver pragmatic on- and off-site solutions for clients.
* Project management including preparation of fee proposals/tenders, invoicing, and management of project finances.
* Design and implement ecological mitigation strategies including mitigation licences for bats, great crested newts, dormice, badgers, and water vole.
Who We Are Looking For
* Sound knowledge of the UK planning system and environmental legislation relevant to the role.
* Competence in UK Habitat Classification and habitat condition assessments (FISC level 4 highly desirable but not essential).
* Ability to design and complete a range of ecology surveys and interpret findings to inform robust ecological assessments and deliver pragmatic client solutions.
* Experience designing/delivering ecological mitigation including protected species licensing and Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW).
* A team player who can support a small team as it grows, with the ability to work independently.
* Good timekeeping and communication skills.
* Full UK driving licence (business use) and willingness to travel to sites within the region; some overnight stays may be required.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Ecology or a closely related field.
* CIEEM Membership.
* Hold at least one protected species survey licence (great crested newt and bats highly desirable).
* FISC Level 4 highly desirable but not essential.
What Is In It For You
RPS is an accredited training provider offering robust, fully accredited professional training programmes up to master’s degree level in leadership and management and executive coaching & mentoring. We support our people to innovate, collaborate, and build meaningful careers with access to a diverse network and interesting projects.
Why Choose RPS, a Tetra Tech Company
In 2023 RPS joined Tetra Tech, combining our expertise with a global organisation. We design and manage projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech, we offer market-leading development and project opportunities across 550 offices in over 120 countries, enabling clients to develop winning solutions for their communities. Our people drive our success, and we prioritise wellbeing, flexibility, and collaboration with hybrid working as standard.
About Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is a leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services worldwide. With over 30,000 employees, Leading with Science® guides our approach to addressing the entire water cycle, protecting the environment, and supporting the clean energy transition.
Recruitment Agencies: We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. See our careers page for details.
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