Principal / Associate Strategic Ecologist

At LUC we are actively contributing to national and local responses to the nature recovery, due to our position as consultant to a range of government, LPA, charitable Trusts and private clients. Our strategic ecology team is at the centre of this important work, creating a bridge between our ecology, planning and landscape disciplines., Our clients understand the importance of considering ecological opportunities from the outset of their strategic landscape-scale or policy projects, and so demand for our support has increased. We're seeking to appoint a Principal or Associate Ecologist with a strategic mindset to further develop and support our committed team. Based within, and supported by, our existing Strategic Ecology team, the successful candidate will have a strong, established background in ecology, be highly collaborative with a positive outlook to work across the practice and bring their ecological knowledge to strategic projects.

Our Strategic Ecology team frequently collaborates with our planning and landscape management colleagues on the delivery of truly integrated, landscape-scale assessments, strategies and supporting management plans for a wide range of public, private and third sector clients. Current examples include the preparation of Local Nature Conservation Site Reviews, Nature Recovery and Biodiversity Action Plans, Green Infrastructure Studies, and Strategic BNG Capacity Studies. Consultation and collaborative working with other technical disciplines form a common thread through all.

Our work is varied and collectively the team holds a broad range of skills. If some of the 'experience and qualifications' listed below resonate with your skills and passion, we'd love to hear from you.

Reporting to our Strategic Ecology lead, the role will include:

• Management and delivery of ecological evidence-base assessments to deliver nature recovery within land use planning at a range of spatial scales.


• Developing innovative project methodologies founded in strong science in response to land planning and management challenges.


• Applying ecological knowledge to challenges for net zero and other ecosystem services.


• Management of projects - both field and office elements - to meet our highest quality standards.


• Supporting growth for you and the team through new project opportunities and business development initiatives.


• Line management and mentoring of colleagues, including contribution to research and training initiatives.


The role includes the opportunity to share and participate actively in the management and ownership of the business through the Employee Ownership Trust, which places full ownership of the company with the employees.


• Strong working knowledge of UK ecology (generalist or specialist).


• Working knowledge of relevant emerging policy and legislation.


• Appropriate professional qualification at a relevant level.


Desirable

• Experience in the design and/or delivery of habitat or broader land management plans, at a range of scales.


• Experience in the application of biodiversity and/or environmental metrics.


• Demonstrable knowledge of ecosystem services and/or natural capital (generalist or specialist).


• Familiarity with the use of strategic datasets.


• Experience of stakeholder engagement and collaborative problem-solving.


• Demonstrable work-winning and business development skills.


Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

LUC is an award-winning environmental consultancy that aims to make a difference. With nearly 60 years of experience, we want to make an impact: delivering better futures for nature, people, and places.

Our holistic services support clients in tackling complex land use problems on projects at every scale. Our expert teams collaborate across disciplines to create cities, towns and landscapes for a more sustainable future.

We are employee-owned, which means we invest in our people and operate with kindness. Our creative, forward-thinking professionals are passionate about addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.

We're leading the way in driving lasting and positive change.

A full-time role is based on 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). However, LUC has a strong track record in flexible working. We have been recognised for our working culture, so we are happy to discuss a range of flexible working options for this role, including part time hours (minimum 30 hours per week) if desired.

Salary range: £39,000 - £60,000 FTE, depending on experience

This is a great time to be joining LUC. Since its creation nearly 60 years ago, LUC has been driven by the belief that landscape has a critical role to play in shaping the world around us for the better. This work has never been more important., Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £39,000.00-£60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave


• Casual dress


• Company events


• Company pension


• Health & wellbeing programme


• Life insurance


• Profit sharing


• Referral programme


• Sick pay


• Work from home