Ecology Director

Lanpro overview:

Lanpro is one of the fastest growing multidisciplinary planning led consultancies in the United Kingdom, with team of 65 strong, spread nationally across offices in Norwich, Cambridge, London, Manchester and York.

We have an ambitious plan for our people, clients and growth and have recently seen fantastic amazing achievements as a result. We ve been instructed to lead on some of the UK s Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in Solar and Energy and worked with some incredibly comprehensive projects country wide across offerings in Planning, Design and the Environment.

Having recently been awarded the Highly Commended award by the Cambridge Property Forum only last month, our brand is growing in strength and momentum with a innovative, collaborative and people / client focused culture to support.

We re pleased to be voted 4.8* s for our culture on and through feedback of our people continually evolve our people offering with aspects such as a Company Growth Bonus, Monthly awards, protected Continuous Professional Development time to further hone skills.

Role overview &accountabilities

• Establish a sustainable and highly regarded Ecology Team and deliver existing projects and develop new work to support investment in recruitment and equipment.
• Establish high quality templates for reports, figures and drawings and supervise work and outputs of the team.
• Mentor the team to ensure they are motivated, happy and have the correct skills, aptitude and attitude to develop successful projects.
• Lead the team to deliver a diverse range of projects from small local sites to Nationally Significant projects of a Regional scale.
• Develop and maintain clients.
• Technical expert in a range of species mitigation and licenses (min one protected species license holder.
• Delivering best practice guidance and advice to clients;
• Innovative and commercial approach to BNG.
• Develop a motivated and technically astute team to deliver best practice.
• Excellent report writing skills and ability to undertake a full compliment of reports for projects of varying scales and including EIA chapters.
• Undertaking appraisals, produce, check, and approve reports, license applications, Ecological Impact Assessments, Habitats Regulations Assessments, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments, EPS licenses and other similar documents as require.;
• Prepare, check, and provide signed approval of detailed Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
• Preparation of fee proposals and tenders.
• Sign off monthly invoicing.
• Representing Lanpro at office or regional/sector meetings
• Represent Lanpro at Planning Appeals and Hearings, including NSIP DCO hearings if required.

Person specification:

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant (Bsc/BA/MA) degree in ecology or related subject.
• Full/Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, or similar relevant professional body.
• Ability to undertake BNG, UKHab, Ecological Impact Assessment, Habitats Regulations Assessment, and international biodiversity compliance.
• Driving license (and own car preferable).
• Excellent Microsoft word, excel and outlook skills.
• Training/experience in AutoCAD QGIS/Arc GIS software mapping skills.
• Hold at least one (but ideally two) of the following Natural England survey licenses: bats, great crested newts, badger or other protected species.
• Experience at public enquiry, hearings or be prepared to represent Lanpro if required.
• Demonstrable track record in business development and successful client management.

Desirable

• More than one Natural England protected species survey license.
• Training/experience in AutoCAD drawing skills.

Experience

Essential

10-20+ years experience as an ecological consultant including a minimum of 5 years experience managing large scale projects.

Experience undertaking the following:

• Undertaking Extended Phase 1 UK Habitat Surveys.
• Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Reports.
• Undertaking protected species surveys including bats, great crested newts, reptiles, birds, badgers, water vole and otter.
• Biodiversity Net Gain surveys, calculations and reports.
• Providing ecological design advice to achieve well designed, ecologically sensitive proposals.
• Ecological Impact Assessment.
• EIA reports and related surveys.
• Team building and management of ecology teams.
• Co-ordination and management of project budgets and health and safety risks.
• Tender preparation.
• Experience as an Ecological Clerk of Works.

Desirable

• Experience undertaking Shadow Habitat Regulation Assessments.
  
• Tender preparation experience.
• Beaver license of mitigation experience.

Attributes:

• Positive can-do attitude and willingness to get involved in a diverse portfolio of small to large projects across all sectors and predominantly renewable energy, infrastructure and residential development.
• Proficient at managing clients and stakeholders on complex projects with multiple protected species survey requirements.
• Flexibility to work on sites across the UK.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly motivated and self-directed. Able to meet deadlines.
• Able to deliver projects on time and budgets.
• Able and willing to live and breath Lanpro s culture and deliver our priorities for clients, staff and shareholders.
• Willingness to mentor junior staff and build a sustainable team.

Product Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of relevant European and UK legislation, policy and guidance and strong knowledge of the UK planning system.