Principal Ecologist

About FPCR

Established in 1957, FPCR is one of the UK's leading environment and design consultancies. Our multidisciplinary teams work across landscape architecture, ecology, urban design, masterplanning, architecture and arboriculture, delivering award-winning projects throughout the UK.

As an employee-owned business, we are committed to creating an engaging, supportive and rewarding workplace where people can develop long-term careers.

Why join FPCR?

Our team members can develop their career in a supportive environment, working on nationally significant and award-winning projects and collaborating with experts across multiple disciplines.

Benefits include:

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Compressed working week
• Employee Ownership Trust benefits
• Discretionary annual tax-free bonus
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Health cash plan
• Pension contributions
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Professional membership support
• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities

(For a full details of our benefits, please see our Benefits Brochure ). 

About the Role 

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? Could you be one of the experienced, talented and energetic professionals helping to continue the development of FPCR, responding to our clients and keeping FPCR moving forwards whilst responding to new challenges in ecological practice?

If so, our Sheffield office is currently looking for an enthusiastic Principal Ecologist to join its growing team and would love to hear from you.

You will be an integral member of our ecology team, leading and delivering high quality work and assessments for a range of clients and on a range of projects, collaborating with our talented team of ecologists, landscape architects and environmental planners. 

Key Responsibilities

You will be:

• Managing projects throughout their life-cycle prior to and post-planning, providing advice on ecology and biodiversity to clients, stakeholders and project teams;
• Planning, leading on and on occasion, conducting ecological surveys;
• Undertaking environmental impact assessments, biodiversity net gain assessments and preparing a range of ecological reports and strategies;
• Designing and implementing appropriate mitigation measures to enhance biodiversity and protect ecological features;
• Supporting and mentoring junior staff, sharing your own knowledge and expertise to develop their skills and knowledge and professional judgement;
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, as well as with contractors and regulatory bodies

Skills and Experience

• Degree level or higher in Ecology or related field;
• At least 7-8 years working in ecological consultancy, with proven experience in project management, including large scale and more complex sites, liaising with clients and wider project consultants to deliver outputs efficiently and on time;
• Experienced in advising clients on Biodiversity Net Gain; understanding and use of the DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric and production of associated reports and plans;
• Demonstrable experience in complex report writing, inclusive but not limited to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), including for Environmental Statements; Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) documents, Species and Habitat Management Plans;
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
• An advanced knowledge of ecology and wildlife protection in the context of the UK legislative and planning system;
• A level of competency in Microsoft Office software and preferably (although not essential) some knowledge of GIS packages;
• Membership or eligibility to membership of a relevant professional body (eg Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or other similar);
• A full UK driving licence and access to vehicle.

Are you interested in working for FPCR?

If you're interested in joining FPCR and contributing to exciting projects across the UK, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your application and CV using the link below.

We strongly encourage all candidates to contact FPCR directly rather than applying via third parties. 

If you have any questions about the role or working at FPCR, please contact our HR Manager at View email address on fpcr.jobsoid.com.

Deadline for Applications

The deadline for applications is subject to change, depending on level of interest. If you are interested in a position with us, an early application is advised. These will be reviewed as they come in, rather than waiting for the deadline.

Equal Opportunities

FPCR is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.