CGO Ecology Ltd : Blog

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CGO Ecology recently made a significant donation to Chewton Common Playgroup in Highcliffe, supporting the company’s aim to aid small or community projects where the donation goes a long way.

Director of CGO Ecology, Chris Gleed-Owen, says of the gift: “My two boys both attended Chewton Common Playgroup, and I was very impressed by the setting. Owner Helen and her team really go above and beyond in terms of creating the best learning opportunities, particularly when it comes to nature. My boys incubated eggs and watched chicks hatch, grew and harvested their own vegetables and most recently planted an orchard. This connection with the natural world is so important for the next generation.”

Helen used the funds to set up a cloud-watching station for children and parents, purchasing fencing, outdoor furniture, information boards and binoculars. It teaches the youngsters about weather and clouds and engages them with nature. But also, it is a special shared activity for kids’ and their care-givers.

Helen says: “We are delighted with our new cloud-watching station and thank CGO Ecology for enabling it. We’re always looking for new ways to immerse the children in nature, and benefit from the mental wellbeing it brings.”   

Chris took his youngest son, Joe, along last week to test it out. Then Chris cut the ribbon in front of a very excited audience of youngsters.

Ecologists - CGO Ecology is recruiting Ecologists. Starting Feb/Mar 2023. Salary £25,000-30,000. Permanent, full-time, advertised until filled. Locations: Northwest, Midlands, Southeast, Southwest.

Background - CGO Ecology is a small, friendly consultancy based in Dorset, with a reputation for quality and delivery. Staff care and retention is important to us, especially in a competitive job market. We operate via a core team of staff and wide nationwide network of subconsultants. Our clients are primarily in the public sector, but also in the private sector. Our work spans construction, transport, infrastructure, renewables, decarbonisation, minerals, housing, education, agriculture, forestry, research.

Role - We are recruiting Ecologists for roles in the Northwest, Midlands, Southeast, and Southwest. We need someone with ECoW experience for a large project in Lancashire, and accomplished PEA and PRA surveyors for householder/small developer work in the other areas. Roles are home-based and site-based. We will consider appointing a Senior Ecologist for the right candidate.

Requirements - Successful applicants will have experience in ecological consultancy, and be abreast of policy, professional standards, guidance, fieldcraft, and reporting requirements. They will have survey and mitigation experience, good written English, and be effective communicators with colleagues and clients. We look for a pragmatic problem-solving outlook, an enthusiastic approach to work, and a strong work ethic. Due to the nature of the work, postholders must be physically able.

Benefits - Salary from £25,000-30,000 per annum, negotiable depending on the candidate. Normal working week 40 hours (including work travel), with 32 days’ leave per year (24 days discretionary, 8 days statutory). We operate a self-managed flexi-time (TOIL) arrangement. We value a healthy work-life balance, and endeavour to accommodate people’s personal circumstances. We offer full maternity pay for three months, half pay for up to nine months, and full paternity pay for up to two months. Full sick pay up to two weeks, negotiable thereafter. To cultivate a healthy employee-employer relationship, we hold regular meetings to invite feedback. The postholder may choose their pension provider. We pay fieldwork accommodation, travel and meal costs, and home-office costs. We provide PPE and equipment, a CPD/training budget, and pay for CIEEM membership where relevant. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Application - Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a short CV highlighting UK-based professional ecological experience. Please state which geographical area you are applying for, your salary expectations, and your soonest availability. Interviews by video or in person in February/March 2023. We are happy to offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

 

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CGO Ecology has donated 50 dormouse nest tubes and 10 footprint tunnels to the Countryside Restoration Trust to enable a survey of their Bere Marsh Farm site in Dorset.

Bere Marsh Farm lies close to the village of Shillingstone, with the River Stour running alongside it. Just beyond is Hambledon Hill – a place of fascinating history, botany and geology.

Andy Fale from the Countryside Restoration Trust explains: “There are dormouse records from a wood bordering the farm, and we want to see if there are any on the farm. The donation from CGO Ecology is very much appreciated, and we are going to keep them posted with our findings.”

The hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) has declined in the UK by over 50% in the last 20% years. It is strictly protected by law.

The dormouse tubes are often secured with plastic cable-ties, but CGO Ecology ensured that these ones will be tied with natural twine in order to avoid single-use plastic.  

Director of CGO Ecology, Chris Gleed-Owen, says of the donation: “I have known Andy for over 20 years, and in his new role at The Countryside Restoration Trust, he is doing amazing work promoting wildlife-friendly farming. We’re keen to support innovative projects like this, particularly in our home county of Dorset.” 

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CGO Ecology recently made a significant donation to Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival, becoming a Bronze sponsor. The two-day community event is run by a committee of volunteers and relies on such donations.

The festival features over 120 local traders, selling everything from biltong, bratwurst and olives to artisan cheese, seafood and gelato. The cookery theatre stages demonstrations from a wide range of local and celebrity chefs. The Little Craft Shack curate ‘Crafts on the Green’ – a selection of arts and crafts stalls. Plus, there are two stages of live music and a treasure hunt and free activities for the kids all weekend.

Director of CGO Ecology, Chris Gleed-Owen, says of the gift: “Since living in Highcliffe, I’ve seen this event go from strength to strength. Coming back after a two-year break due to Covid was no mean feat. Festival organisers still incurred costs for the two cancelled events, so had to work hard to get extra sponsorship in 2022. The event was incredible – it brought loads of visitors to the area, and the atmosphere was brilliant. I hope that our donation will contribute to an even bigger and better event this year.”

Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival takes place on Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th June 2023.

• Polypedates maculatus Polypedates maculatus
• Aabha doing her fieldwork Aabha doing her fieldwork
• Red-crowned roofed turtle Red-crowned roofed turtle
• Pawan carrying out his research Pawan carrying out his research
• Measuring nesting trails Measuring nesting trails
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Dr Chris Gleed-Owen, Director of CGO Ecology, has been Research Committee Chair of The British Herpetological Society (BHS) for almost 20 years. In 2004, Chris set up the Student Grant Scheme to help early-career herpetologists, and he has been managing the scheme ever since.

Chris explains: “Twice a year, students from around the world can apply for project funding. We prioritise projects in developing countries, and particularly ones working with endangered species. We’ve funded projects in Nepal, India, Thailand, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, as well as the UK, Portugal, Malta, and other European countries Unfortunately, we are only able to help about five students a year, so have to turn away a lot of worthy applicants.”

He adds: “There was a particularly good intake of applications in 2021, so my company, CGO Ecology Ltd, sponsored the scheme in order to make up the shortfall in funding, and help more students.”

The December 2021 recipients, each of whom received £300, were:

• Aabha Pokharel who is studying frog assemblages in Madi Valley, Nepal.
• Ellie Dobbs who is studying the conservation status of Maltese snakes.
• Pawan Pareek who is studying nesting habitat of the red-crowned roofed turtle in the Chambal Sanctuary, India.
• Srijana Timilsina who is studying gharial habitats and human conflict in Chitwan National Park, Nepal.

Pawan Pareek said of the funding: “I am truly grateful to the British Herpetological Society for this support. The grant helped me fund my PhD research work to document information about nest site selection of critically-endangered red-crowned roofed turtles (Batagur kachuga).”

In order for the scheme to help more students, The British Herpetological Society is looking for new corporate sponsors. If you can offer any help with funding, or have any useful suggestions, please contact Research Committee Chair This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

[Words by Rebecca Perl. Photos supplied by the students].

CGO Ecology recently became a corporate sponsor of the Great Bustard Group, a conservation charity working to reintroduce great bustards to the UK. The great bustard – the world’s heaviest flying bird – was one of Britain’s favourite birds but was hunted to extinction in the 19^th century. The charity was founded in 1998 to establish a self-sustaining population in the wild, and they achieved this aim in 2019. They now have a population of around 100 birds which they are working hard to safeguard and grow.

• Great bustards in flight Great bustards in flight
• Archie on safari Archie on safari
• Chris and Archie with the founders Chris and Archie with the founders
• The site, near Salisbury The site, near Salisbury
• Chris, Fergus and Archie Chris, Fergus and Archie
• Showing off its magnificent feathers Showing off its magnificent feathers
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Director of CGO Ecology, Chris Gleed-Owen, says of the sponsorship: “The work this charity is doing to look after these iconic birds is brilliant, and hopefully our sponsorship will go some way to grow and develop their ethical captive breeding programme. I like to support small projects where possible as our money goes a long way, plus they are located near Salisbury so just a stone’s throw from CGO Ecology’s HQ.” CGO is in good company – the charity has some notable corporate sponsors and is also supported by HRH The Prince of Wales, their Patron. 

In January, Chris took his son Archie, 6, to visit the site. They were treated to a personalised tour, and saw around 15 bustards in the field. Archie particularly enjoyed meeting Fergus, an injured great bustard who lives with David and Karen Waters, founders of the Great Bustard Group. Archie came home buzzing with lots of bustard facts and a handful of huge feathers. 

David Waters says: "The Great Bustard Group (GBG) raises all the project costs itself and sponsorship from businesses and organisations like CGO Ecology contributes a significant sum to the total. The habitat created and managed by the GBG benefits many other species in addition to the great bustards – grey partridge, stone curlew, corn bunting and quail all bred on our reserve."

To find out more about the Great Bustard Group or to offer corporate sponsorship, visit greatbustard.org.

Photo credits: 1,3,5,6 - GBG, 2,4 - CGO.

 

Senior Ecologist (ideally level 2 bat-licensed)

CGO Ecology Ltd - www.cgoecology.com

Starting: ASAP in autumn/winter 2021

Closing date: Friday 22^nd October 2021

Permanent, full-time (part-time considered for the right candidate)

Salary: £28,000 to £40,000 (pro rata for p/t)

Apply to: Chris Gleed-Owen This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Overview

CGO Ecology is a small, friendly consultancy that enjoys a good reputation for delivering a reliable, high-quality service. We are recruiting a Senior Ecologist to be home-based in Southeast England or the English Midlands. We operate mainly by a network of associates. Our clients are primarily central government departments, but also local government and the private sector, from construction to renewable energy.

Role

The successful applicant will manage survey and mitigation projects across Britain, and conduct species and habitat surveys. They will have extensive protected species survey and mitigation experience, with at least one survey licence (ideally level 2/CL18 bats) and able to apply for mitigation licences.

The postholder will lead surveys, write survey reports with excellent English spelling and grammar, coordinate all aspects of projects, manage staff and subconsultants, and liaise with colleagues, clients and authorities effectively. They will have a pragmatic problem-solving outlook.

Essential experience, skills, and qualities

• At least one Natural England survey licence.
• Proficiency in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey/PEA, phase 2 species surveys, EcIA.
• Good project-management and people-management skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Highly computer-literate, including MS Office.
• Good knowledge of wildlife legislation, planning process, and conservation policy.
• Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach to work, strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Due to the nature of the work, the postholder must be physically able.
• Prepared to work flexible and sometimes unsociable hours.
• Full driving licence and own vehicle.

Desirable experience, skills, and qualities

• Level 2/CL18 bat survey licence.
• Proficiency in several of the following: badger, barn owl, botany/NVC, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, GCN, Invasive Non-Native Species, UKHab, otter, reptiles, specialist invertebrate groups, water vole, wintering birds, white-clawed crayfish.
• Survey licences in Scotland and/or Wales.
• Full or Associate member of CIEEM, or eligibility for membership.
• Proficiency in UKHab
• Proficiency in Biodiversity Metric 3.0.
• Proficiency in BREEAM.

Salary/benefits

Salary £28,000 to £40,000 per annum (pro rata for part-time), depending on credentials and location. Normal working week 40 hours, with 32 days’ leave per year (24 days discretionary, 8 days statutory holidays). Flexi-time/TOIL arrangement, self-managed by employee. We reimburse home-office costs, costs associated with fieldwork, including mileage at 45p. We provide necessary PPE and survey equipment, regular CPD/training, a healthy employee-employer relationship, and enrolment in the UK Government’s NEST pension scheme. We operate an Equal Opportunities policy.

Application

Please email Chris Gleed-Owen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), attaching a CV highlighting relevant skills, experience, and licences. Feel free to ask any questions about the role and our clients at the point of application. Interview will be by informal online meeting or in person where practicable. The post will be advertised until filled, to start as soon as possible in autumn/winter 2021.

CGO Ecology Ltd - www.cgoecology.com

Starting: ASAP/spring 2021

Closing date: advertised until filled

Permanent, full-time or part-time

Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 (pro rata for p/t)

 

Apply to: Chris Gleed-Owen This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Overview

CGO Ecology is a small, friendly consultancy that enjoys a good reputation for delivering a high-quality service, on time and in budget. We are recruiting a Senior Ecologist (level 2/CL18 bat-licensed), to be home-based in England. The successful applicant will lead on licensed bat mitigation, manage projects across Britain, and lead surveys. They will have extensive bat survey and mitigation experience (named ecologist within the last three years). CGO Ecology has a small team of home-based staff, and a nationwide network of associates. Our clients range from central and local government, to infrastructure, minerals, education, construction, and renewable energy. We are not involved with HS2.

Role

The postholder will write bat survey reports, analyse data, coordinate bat and other ecological surveys and mitigation, manage staff and subconsultants, and liaise with clients and authorities. They will manage and conduct bat surveys (PRAs of buildings, structures and trees, emergence/re-entry surveys, activity transects, static detectors) and bat mitigation (licence applications, supervision, provisions, monitoring). They will also conduct Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, and assist with other types of ecological survey, according to their skills and experience. They will be an excellent communicator, with an ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Due to the nature of the work, the postholder must be physically able, and prepared to work flexible and unsociable hours. They will be a self-starter with a pragmatic outlook, who uses their initiative to solve problems. A driving licence and own vehicle is essential for driving to and from survey sites. As bat-handling is part of the job, they must have up-to-date rabies vaccination.

Essential experience, skills, and qualities

• Level 2 (CL18) Natural England bat survey licence, and named ecology on at least one bat mitigation licence within the last three years.
• Proficiency in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey/PEA/EcIA, with good botanical ID skills.
• Full driving licence, own vehicle.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Highly computer-literate, including MS Office.
• Project management skills.
• Good knowledge of wildlife legislation and planning process.
• Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach to work, strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.

Desirable experience, skills, and qualities

• At least one other species survey licence and/or specialist skill.
• Survey and mitigation experience in any of the following taxa and disciplines: badger, barn owl, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, GCN, invasive species, NVC, otter, reptiles, water vole, wintering birds, botany/NVC, white-clawed crayfish, other invertebrates.
• Full or Associate member of CIEEM, or eligibility for membership.
• Familiar with UKHab and Defra BNG Metric 2.0.
• Proficiency in GIS, ideally including QGIS.

Salary/benefits

Salary £30,000 to £40,000 per annum (pro rata for part-time), depending on credentials and location. Working week 40 hours, with 32 days’ leave per year including statutory holidays, and flexi-time/TOIL (overtime banked and taken off as additional leave). We reimburse home-office costs, accommodation and subsistence expenses for fieldwork, and pay mileage at 45p for travel. We provide PPE and survey equipment, ongoing CPD/training, and enrolment in the UK Government’s NEST pension scheme at 3% employer contribution. We operate an Equal Opportunities policy.

Application

Please email Chris Gleed-Owen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), attaching a CV highlighting relevant skills, experience, and licences. Interview will be by informal Zoom meeting. The post will be advertised until filled, to start as soon as possible in spring 2021.

Senior Ecologist (Level 2 bat-licensed)

CGO Ecology Ltd - www.cgoecology.com

Starting ASAP/March 2021

Advertised until filled

Permanent, full-time

Salary up to £40,000

 

Overview

CGO Ecology is recruiting a Senior Ecologist (level 2/CL18 bat-licensed), to be home-based in the Midlands or Southeast England. The successful applicant will be conducting surveys, and managing projects across Britain. They will have extensive bat survey and mitigation experience (named ecologist within last 3yrs), and ideally at least one other survey licence. CGO Ecology has a small team of home-based staff, with a wide network of subcontractors and associates across the country. Our wide range of clients are in national and local government, infrastructure, minerals, education, construction, and renewable energy. We are not involved with HS2.

Role

The postholder will coordinate ecological surveys and mitigation, manage staff and subcontractors, liaise with clients and authorities, and write high-quality reports. They will conduct bat surveys (PRAs of buildings and trees, dusk/dawn surveys, activity transects, static detector call analyses) and mitigation (licence applications, implementation, supervision, monitoring). They will also conduct Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, and may assist with performing or coordination of GCN, reptile, badger, water vole, otter, dormouse, breeding bird, wintering bird, invertebrate, botanical, and other types of surveys, in line with their skills and experience. They will be proficient in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys/PEAs, with a high standard of English grammar and spelling, and the ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Due to the nature of the work, the postholder must be physically able, and prepared to work flexible and unsociable hours. They will be a self-starter with a pragmatic outlook, who uses their initiative to solve problems. A driving licence and own vehicle is essential for driving to and from survey sites.

Essential experience, skills, and qualities

• Bat survey licence (CL18/level 2), named ecology on at least one bat mitigation licence within the last three years.
• Proficiency in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey/PEA/EcIA, with adequate botanical ID skills.
• Full driving licence, own vehicle.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Highly computer-literate, including MS Office.
• Project management skills.
• Good knowledge of wildlife legislation and planning processes.
• Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach to work, strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Good internet connection for video meetings and large file download.

Desirable experience, skills, and qualities

• At least one other species survey licence and/or specialist skill.
• Survey and mitigation experience in two or more of the following taxa and disciplines: badger, barn owl, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, GCN, invasive species, invertebrates, NVC, otter, reptiles, water vole, wintering birds.
• Full or Associate member of CIEEM, or eligibility for membership.
• Familiar with UKHab and Defra BNG Metric 2.0.
• Proficiency in QGIS or another GIS platform.

Salary/benefits

Salary up to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience and location. Working week 40 hours, with 32 days’ leave per year including statutory holidays, and flexi-time/TOIL (overtime banked and taken off as additional leave). We reimburse home-office costs, accommodation and subsistence expenses for fieldwork, and pay mileage at 45p for travel. We provide PPE and survey equipment, ongoing CPD/training, and enrolment in the UK Government’s NEST pension scheme at 3% employer contribution. We operate an Equal Opportunities policy.

Application

Please email Chris Gleed-Owen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), stating the post you are applying for, attaching a CV highlighting relevant skills, experience, and licences. Interview will be by informal Zoom meeting. The post will be advertised until filled, to start as soon as possible in March 2021.

Ecologist or Senior Ecologist (Bat-licensed)

CGO Ecology Ltd - www.cgoecology.com

Starting ASAP February/March 2021

Permanent, full-time

Salary £25,000 to £35,000

 

Overview

CGO Ecology is recruiting an Ecologist or Senior Ecologist (level 2/CL18 bat-licensed), to be home-based, potentially anywhere in the country. The successful applicant will be managing projects across Britain, and conducting fieldwork for our diverse client base. They will have extensive survey and mitigation experience, and ideally at least one other survey licence. CGO Ecology has a small team of home-based staff, with a wide network of subcontractors and associates across the country. Our clients are mainly in national and local government, education, infrastructure, minerals, construction, and renewable energy.

Role

The postholder will coordinate ecological surveys and mitigation, manage staff and subcontractors, liaise with clients and authorities, and write high-quality reports. They will conduct bat surveys (PRAs of buildings and trees, dusk/dawn surveys, activity transects, static detector call analyses) and mitigation (licence applications, implementation, supervision, monitoring). They will also assist with delivery of GCN, reptile, badger, water vole, otter, dormouse, breeding bird, wintering bird, invertebrate, botanical, and other types of surveys, in line with their skills and experience. They will be proficient in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys/PEAs, with a high standard of English grammar and spelling, and the ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Due to the nature of the work, the postholder must be physically able, and prepared to work flexible and unsociable hours. They will be a self-starter with a pragmatic outlook, who uses their initiative to solve problems. A driving licence and own vehicle is essential for driving to and from survey sites.

Essential experience, skills, and qualities

• Bat survey licence (CL18/level 2), previous bat mitigation licence(s).
• Proficiency in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey/PEA/EcIA, with adequate botanical ID skills.
• Full driving licence, own vehicle.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Highly computer-literate, including MS Office.
• Project management skills.
• Good knowledge of wildlife legislation and planning processes.
• Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach to work, strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Good internet connection for video meetings and large file download.

Desirable experience, skills, and qualities

• At least one other species survey licence and/or specialist skill.
• Survey and mitigation experience in two or more of the following taxa and disciplines: badger, barn owl, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, GCN, invasive species, invertebrates, NVC, otter, reptiles, water vole, wintering birds.
• Full or Associate member of CIEEM, or eligibility for membership.
• Proficiency in QGIS or another GIS platform.

Salary/benefits

Salary from £25,000 for Ecologist, up to £35,000 for Senior Ecologist, depending on experience. Working week 40 hours, with 32 days’ leave per year including statutory holidays, and flexi-time/TOIL (overtime banked and taken off as additional leave). We reimburse home-office costs, accommodation and subsistence expenses for fieldwork, and pay mileage at 45p for travel. We provide PPE and survey equipment, ongoing CPD/training, and enrolment in the UK Government’s NEST pension scheme at 3% employer contribution. We operate an Equal Opportunities policy.

Application

Please email Chris Gleed-Owen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), stating which post you are applying for, attaching a CV highlighting relevant skills, experience, and licences. Interview will be by informal Zoom meeting. The position will be advertised until filled, and start as soon as possible in February or March 2021.