CGO Ecology Ltd : Blog

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.

Senior Ecologist (Bats – Northwest England)

Starting February/March 2021

Permanent, full-time

Salary £30,000+

Overview

CGO Ecology is recruiting a Senior Ecologist in Northwest England, ideally South Lancashire or adjacent areas (Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside). The position is home-based, with fieldwork in South Lancashire and across the region (not HS2). The successful applicant will have extensive bat survey and mitigation experience. Other areas of expertise would be a bonus. CGO Ecology has a small team of home-based staff, and a wide network of subcontractors and associates across the country. Our clients are in national and local government, education, infrastructure, minerals, and renewable energy sectors, among others.

Role

The postholder will coordinate ecological surveys and mitigation, manage staff and subcontractors, liaise with clients and officials, and write high-quality reports. They will oversee a significant bat survey workload (PRAs of buildings and trees, dusk/dawn surveys, activity transects, and static detector call analyses). They will also assist with delivery of GCN, reptile, badger, riparian mammal, breeding bird, wintering bird, invertebrate, botanical, and other types of surveys, according to their skills/experience. They will be proficient in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys/PEAs, EcIAs, and contribute to ES chapters. A high standard of English grammar and spelling is essential, as is the personality 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. Under the current Covid-19 constraints, the postholder will work from home, driving to and from survey sites. Much of the workload will be in South Lancashire, but the postholder must be prepared to travel further afield when necessary. Note this is not HS2-related.

Essential experience, skills, and qualities

• Bat survey licence (at least CL18/level 2), previous bat mitigation licence-holder.
• At least one other species survey licence and/or specialist skill.
• Proficiency in Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey/PEA/EcIA, with botanical ID skills equivalent to FISC 3 or above.
• Full driving licence, own vehicle.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Highly computer-literate, including MS Office and GIS.
• Project management skills, experience in large/complex projects.
• Good understanding of wildlife legislation and planning processes.
• Positive attitude, enthusiastic approach to work, strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.

Desirable experience, skills, and qualities

• Good ornithological skills, including Annex I/Schedule 1 species.
• Expertise, licence(s), and mitigation experience in one or more of the following taxa and disciplines: badger, barn owl, breeding birds, hazel dormouse, GCN, invasive species, invertebrates, NVC surveys, otter, reptiles, water vole, wintering birds.
• Degree-level education, or equivalent in professional experience and/or training.
• Full or Associate member of CIEEM, or eligible for membership.
• Tree-climbing qualifications and experience.
• Employment history demonstrating breadth of character.

Salary/benefits

Salary £30,000+, commensurate with experience. Working week 40 hours with a flexi-time/TOIL system (extra hours worked can be banked and taken off at postholder’s discretion). We reimburse accommodation and subsistence expenses for fieldwork, and mileage at 45p for all travel away from the normal place of work. We provide necessary PPE and survey equipment, ongoing CPD/training, 24 days’ discretionary leave plus statutory holidays per year, 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.) with a CV focusing on relevant skills, experience, licences, and qualifications. The post will be advertised until filled. The postholder must be available to start in February or March 2021. Please do not apply speculatively if you do not meet the essential requirements.

We are very pleased that CGO Ecology was 'Highly Commended' in the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) annual awards ceremony in London last week. Our involvement on the A338 rebuild project from 2009-2016 in Dorset reached the final three in the 'Innovation' category of the Best Practice Awards programme.

Last week our team expanded by three, with the recruitment of Senior Ecologist and bat specialist Adam Day, Assistant Ecologist Sarah Barker, and Assistant Ecologist Peter Booker.

We would like to welcome our latest recruit, Frankie Gamble, who joined us in early April 2017 as a seasonal ecologist. Frankie has worked in ecological consultancy since 2015, and already has a wide range of experience including bats, birds, GCN, and reptiles. He holds a CSCS card and first aid qualification. He has worked on large-scale surveys for HS2 in the West Midlands, and was employed by two well-known consultancies in 2015 and 2016.

CGO Ecology is moving its Dorset office. As of today (Friday 28th October 2016), our new Dorset base is: 27a Ridgefield Gardens, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4QG. Our telephone number remains the same (01202 798126). Please make a note in your records. We will endeavour to inform all clients and subcontractors separately too.

With the summer finally showing its face, here's a rundown of what we've been up to lately:

Phase 1 ecology surveys are one of our mainstays, and we've conducted them recently for a range of projects in Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, Warwickshire, West Sussex, Wiltshire, Worcestershire. Also known as Preliminary Ecological Appraisal or Extended Phase 1 Habitat and Ecology Survey, this involves desktop research, a field walkover survey, and a detailed report with recommendations for phase 2 surveys and/or mitigation.

The March 2016 issue of the CGO Ecology Newsletter is downloadable here. Please feel free to circulate.

We hope all of our clients, colleagues and friends have had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year break. The weather has been atrocious for most of us in the UK, and we feel for all those affected by flooding. Let's hope 2016 is the year when real action is taken to tackle the causes of flooding, not just the effects.