Senior to Principal Ecologist

Are you an experienced ecologist looking for the next step up in your career? Are you looking to increase your exposure to complex and rewarding projects? Do you want to join an established consultancy practice who pride themselves in offering a great place to work? If so, we would love to hear from you.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Senior to Principal Bat Ecologist to join our busy ecology department within our Exeter office. 

Why FPCR?

FPCR Environment and Design Ltd is one of the UK’s leading integrated design practices working extensively throughout the UK. Over the last 60 years the practice has developed a valuable mix of multi-disciplinary expertise in masterplanning, environmental assessment, urban design, landscape, ecology, architecture, arboriculture and green infrastructure. Working together, we have implemented many award-winning schemes in environmentally sensitive locations. 

At the start of 2021 FPCR became an Employee-Owned business. Our people and culture are vital to the service we provide, and we feel this is the best way forward for the future of the practice. Employee Ownership will enable the whole team to share in the future growth and success of the business, whilst the practice can remain responsive, independent, and adaptable. 

Our ecology team is led by four directors who each joined the company in junior positions and are committed to providing the same supportive and fostering environment that is at the heart of our practice.
Our team of over 120 ecologists work out of five offices across the UK. 

Could you be one of the experienced, talented and energetic professionals helping to continue the development of the team, responding to our clients and keeping FPCR moving forwards whilst responding to new challenges in ecological practice? The positions provide the right candidates with an ideal opportunity to be a part of a motivated team offering technical advice to a diverse range of clients covering projects across all aspects of ecology. 

About you

• Degree level or equivalent academic qualification in Ecology or related field;
• Full Membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or other similar;
• Level 2 Bat Licence 
• A minimum of 3-years project management experience with excellent client liaison skills. 
• Good knowledge of best practice survey techniques, relevant wildlife legislation and protected species licensing;
• An advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife protection in the context of the UK planning system;
• Experience of advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain including production of Biodiversity Impact Assessments (BIA) and use of the DEFRA metric;
• Demonstrable experience in complex report writing, inclusive but not limited to Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) reports, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) documents, Species and Habitat Management Plans;
• A level of competency in Microsoft Office software and preferably (although not essential) some knowledge of GIS packages.
• Excellent communication skills; and
• A full, clean UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

What you can expect in return: 

Our employees really are our greatest asset, representing a wide range of skills and experience from across the field of UK ecology. We are proud to offer our staff at all levels the opportunity to pursue their individual interests as this helps us to facilitate shared learning across our practice. 

We are offering a competitive salary with the opportunity for annual bonuses, enrolment on our pension scheme and 25 days holiday, compressed working week and a holiday purchase system. Everyone is enrolled in a BUPA health and wellbeing cashback scheme. Staff well-being is very important to us, and the teams frequently have a range of volunteering and social activities going on.

FPCR is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their race or gender.

If you feel you are the right candidate, or feel you can offer FPCR’s ecology team other relevant experience and skills, please submit your CV along with a covering letter, together with any supporting documentation that you feel may be of interest. 

Salary: Senior £32k-£36k, Principal £39k-£45k dependent on experience.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

ABOUT FPCR

Established in 1957, FPCR are an award winning multi-disciplinary environment and design practice with expertise in Landscape, Urban Design, Masterplanning, Architecture, Ecology and Arboriculture. We believe our diverse range of skills provide clients with an excellent rounded approach to projects while concurrently providing our staff with a dynamic and diverse place to work.