Overview
You’ll get all the benefits of being employed by us, while working on a variety of projects for our clients. Joining Waterman Aspen as an Ecologist will see you as a key member of the Water and Environment team and you can expect :
Benefits
* A varied client base where you can apply and develop your skills
* Buy-in from clients to assist in your technical progression
* Further exposure to your chosen industry – increasing your awareness, knowledge and sharpening your skills
* The flexibility to broaden your horizons with each new secondment, without changing your employer
* Career development and training to reach your professional or academic qualification goals supported by our own network of mentors and managers
* Paid subscription to a professional body of your choice
* Regular social events and volunteering opportunities
Essential qualifications
* Ecology & Field Surveys: Proven experience in conducting and coordinating protected species surveys (e.g., bats, great crested newts, badgers), invasive species surveys and certified in River Morphology Surveys in the UK.
* UK Habitat Classification: Strong working knowledge and hands-on experience with UK Habitat Classification and Condition surveys, ensuring habitat types are accurately assessed and documented – including strong botany skills.
* Advanced Survey Techniques: Experience with advanced survey methods, such as camera trapping, emergence surveys, or acoustic monitoring for specific species.
* Ecological Reporting: Demonstrated ability to produce clear, precise, and compliant ecological reports, including species-specific survey reports and habitat assessments, adhering to UK and EU regulations.
* Survey Coordination: Experience coordinating field surveys, managing multiple survey teams, and ensuring fieldwork is delivered to a high standard within specified timelines.
* Species Identification: Strong skills in identifying a wide range of protected and invasive species, both flora and fauna, across various habitats.
* Legislative Compliance: Knowledge of relevant UK wildlife legislation (e.g., Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and planning policies related to species and habitat protection.
* Health & Safety: Understanding of health and safety protocols associated with ecological surveys, including risk assessments for fieldwork.
* GIS and Mapping Tools: Proficiency in using GIS software for habitat mapping and data analysis.
Desirable qualifications
* Licenses: Holding relevant protected species licenses (e.g., for bats or great crested newts) is highly advantageous.
* Chartered Status: Membership of a relevant professional body, such as CIEEM, or working towards chartership (e.g., Chartered Ecologist, CEcol).
* Invasive Species Management: Experience in developing and implementing invasive species management plans.
* Data Analysis: Experience with data analysis and habitat condition assessments, including familiarity with biodiversity metrics.
* Stakeholder Liaison: Experience liaising with clients, local authorities, and statutory bodies to ensure compliance with ecological standards and project requirements.
* Flexible Working: Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in various UK locations, often under challenging environmental conditions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr