Careers

The Role

Orbis Ecology have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated ecologist/senior ecologist to come and join our team. The role is offered on a temporary basis to cover full-time maternity leave, for a period of 9-12 months. We are ideally looking for a start date around early March 2025 to allow for a handover period.

About Us

Orbis Ecology are an independent ecological consultancy based in Devon and work throughout the southwest. We work across a wide variety of projects ranging from small scale conversions to more complex, challenging projects, and developments - no two days are ever the same! We are a CIEEM Registered Practice and pride ourselves on our strong ethical framework, we work closely with our clients to create spaces where wildlife and development can exist side by side.

The Role

The role will include working on and managing a diverse range of ecology projects; from initial survey to report writing, mitigation, and monitoring. Whilst a large element of our work is bat related, your projects will also include PEA/UK Habitats Classification, Biodiversity Net Gain assessments and other protected species surveys. There will be a good balance of both field and desk-based work. We offer a flexible approach to working hours and can facilitate office or hybrid working depending on your preference/location.

What we are looking for

• An appropriate degree level qualification and be an associate or full member of CIEEM
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in consultancy and hold a Natural England Level 1 bat survey licence (class 2 is preferred).
• An excellent up-to-date understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain and the statutory metric, with a willingness to further your knowledge.
• Significant experience of UK Habitat Classification, PEA surveys and protected species surveys.
• Confident ability to use QGIS.
• Excellent report writing skills and technical review experience, to include PEA reports, Ecological Impact Assessments, and other reporting formats.
• A genuine enthusiasm for ecology and the wider environment.
• Well organised and motivated to work independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. You will need to build good relationships with our clients, providing pragmatic advice in a sensitive manner.
• Happy to work independently, often outdoors and be willing to work unsociable hours during the bat survey season (April - October).
• A full driving licence and have access to your own vehicle which must have business use insurance.
• Live in (or be willing to relocate to) the Devon area.

Benefits of working with Orbis Ecology

• Flexible approach to working hours
• Salary £30k+ dependant on experience
• Payment of professional fees
• Commitment to investing in training and career development
• 28 days annual leave (incl bank holidays)
• We recognise the importance of a work/life balance and how important this is to staff health and wellbeing. This is carefully managed through sharing workloads, a TOIL policy for busy periods of the year and regular check-ins with staff.
• Friendly and supportive work environment

Orbis Ecology is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy/maternity.

As an employer we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health of all our staff.

If you have any questions about the role, please don't hesitate to get in touch. If you would like to apply, please send your CV and a covering email to: enquiries@orbisecology.co.uk