Lead Ecologist

28 Days Annual Leave + 8 Bank Holidays, Company Car or Allowance, Generous Pension Scheme, Life Assurance

Milestone Infrastructure Ltd is looking to recruit a Principal Ecologist. Milestone
Infrastructure is a part of the Transport Division within MGroup Services. We currently deliver
highways and street lighting maintenance contracts and a variety of large, complex, civil
engineering projects across southern and central England.

As a business, people are at the heart of everything we do, whether they are our people, our
clients, or the communities they serve. We are committed to behaving with integrity and in a
sustainable manner, being mindful to the needs of our communities and the environment. Our
people are our greatest strength and ensuring their health, safety and wellbeing is our top
priority. We invest in our workforce, engaging and empowering them, helping them to grow and
develop with opportunities to train and learn.

As the Principal Ecologist, you will oversee and manage ecological aspects across a range of
highways infrastructure contracts/projects to satisfy client needs and achieve positive
outcomes through pragmatic input at all project lifecycle stages. You will be responsible for
leading and developing the ecology function within the Environmental Technical Team, which acts
as an in-house consultancy through delivery of specialist environmental and sustainability
services both internally and externally. You will manage other ecologists whilst working
closely with design & construction teams and other external consultants to co-ordinate and
deliver a full range of ecological services such as habitat and species surveys, ECoW support,
impact assessment, licencing & mitigation, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Co-ordinating and delivering a range of office and site-based ecological services,
  including habitat/species surveys, ECoW support, impact assessment, licencing & mitigation,
  and BNG assessments.
• Producing accurate reports in a range of formats with an appropriate level of technical
  content for the intended audience and application.
• Providing specialist ecological advice and training to contract/project teams and clients
  to assist them in effectively managing ecological risks and opportunities.
• Reviewing and approving a range of reports and other project deliverables to provide
  quality assurance.
• Compiling and implementing licence applications and other ecological consents, including
  mitigation and monitoring strategies.
• Liaising with statutory authorities and establishing positive, trusted relationships.
• Engaging and co-ordinating support from external consultants as required.
• Managing other ecologists, providing appropriate direction to support their development and
  high performance.
• Formulating fee proposals covering environmental support as well as managing time
  allocation of self and others in accordance with agreed Task Orders and utilisation targets.
• Supporting the growth and performance of the Environmental Technical Team through delivery
  and business development, whilst overseeing and leading the strategic direction of the ecology
  function and undertaking recruitment to meet resource needs.
• Planning and programming workload for yourself and others to ensure delivery of services
  within agreed timescales to high standards.

Success Measures:

• Delivery of strategic objectives and contractual requirements related to
  ecology/biodiversity.
• Positively influencing contract/project development through effective management of
  ecological risks and opportunities on contracts/projects, as evidenced by tangible benefits and
  positive client feedback.
• Managing workloads and time allocation to meet utilisation targets, grow the ecology
  function, and maximise revenue generation.
• Securing industry-leading awards in relation to ecology/biodiversity initiatives.
• Development and performance of team members.

Skills & Knowledge Required:

• Degree level qualification in an environmental or related subject (desirable).
• At least 3 years’ experience in construction / infrastructure sectors or related industries
  (desirable).
• Proficient in field surveys including UK Habitat Classification assessment, BNG condition
  assessment, and protected species surveys.
• Sound knowledge of ecological principles, legislation, policy, and guidance.
• Proven track record of co-ordinating and delivering a range of office and site-based
  ecological services to achieve positive project outcomes.
• Holder of survey and/or mitigation/conservation licences for protected species (desirable).
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage projects, resources, programmes, and budgets
  effectively.
• Personable with excellent written and verbal communication skills and the capability to
  engage a range of stakeholders on ecology/biodiversity matters.
• Practical and pragmatic approach in delivering ecological solutions.
• Ambition and capability to encourage innovation and digital services throughout the
  business
• Willingness to travel across the UK and stay away from home for short periods when
  required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and expectations
  of contract/project management teams.
• Experience of training, mentoring, developing, and/or managing direct reports/other
  colleagues (desirable).

To apply, please send your CV to [email protected].