About You

This is a key position within the National Ecology team - we are seeking a strong individual who can help the established team develop the ecological business in the region and manage large and exciting projects including residential, mixed-use developments, new road schemes and solar farms.  They will serve a diverse client base, attend project meetings and public consultations, and engage with stakeholders including Natural England and the local authorities.  We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate well established relationships with key consultees. We are looking for an individual with good people skills who can continue well established relationships with other disciplines of the business, external clients and within the ecology team itself.

The line management responsibility will include providing day to day support to the junior members of the team, providing training as well as identifying career development opportunities for the team through appraisals and general training needs. 

The key elements of the role include the application of ecological principles to a range of projects, an in-depth knowledge of wildlife law, and the ability to identify pragmatic and client-focussed solutions to ecological constraints. 

Applicants with Natural England survey licences (e.g. bats, hazel dormouse and great crested newt in particular) and experience of holding development licences too are highly desirable.  

Sitting within an established team in Southampton, the successful applicant will also work closely with our wider ecology team, including ecologists in Guildford, Bristol, Cardiff and Wellington.   

We operate as one national team and support each other through mentoring, internal and external training and, team Away Days.  We promote internal progression and provide managerial as well as technical training to allow each ecologist to develop along a personalised career path.

You will be reporting to the ecology team leader in Southampton, and become an integrated member of the Southampton and UK ecology teams.

Your Role

It is essential that the successful candidate has good client management, written and verbal communication skills, good team working and project management skills and also good knowledge of relevant UK and European legislation, policy and guidance. You must have excellent field skills covering a range of taxa including Phase 1 habitat surveys, protected species habitat assessments, bat, great crested newt, reptile, dormice, badger water vole and otter surveys, plus experience of preparing mitigation method statements, including drafting licences applications, ideally for EPS, and experience of working in teams and independently with a proactive approach to progressing schemes. It is a necessary aspect that you have the ability to communicate on appropriate technical and commercial levels internally and to a diverse range of current and potential clients. You must have a keen eye for detail to assist in report reviews and verifications. It is a fundamental aspect that you have excellent communication skills both written and spoken plus being fully IT literate being able to use MS Word and Excel. You should have a membership of an appropriate professional body (e.g. IEEM) or ability to apply plus a relevant degree as a minimum. You must also hold a full clean UK driving licence.

Although not essential but it would be beneficial if you have existing experience or keen to develop line management skills, Specialist skills in areas such as GIS, bats, invertebrate and protected species mitigation and Natural England development or EPS licence holder.

About WYG

At WYG, our vision is clear: To inspire our clients and our people to create positive change through our imagination and expertise. Resourceful, confident and authentic, we promise unique solutions, and we deliver every time. The qualities we share help us match the impact of far bigger consultancies - from client focus and collaborative spirit, to strategic and ethical thinking. Our engineering teams offer public and private clients around the world expertise through the full project life cycle, including design, procurement and management.

Rewards

In return for your dedication, you’ll enjoy a quality total remuneration package, including contributory pension, health cover and flexible working options. Pick and choose your perfect blend from advantages including childcare and retail vouchers, travel insurance and variable holiday. You’ll also benefit from great training and development, with support to achieve your career goals.