JOB DESCRIPTION
Last updated: July 2015
NAME:
JOB TITLE:
Consultant Ecologist
REPORTING TO:
Senior Ecologist
Continuous employment since:
This post since:
Grade:
1. Job Purpose
To fulfil commercial ecological contracts to a high standard within budget and on time.
2. Dimensions



This post is permanent full-time (37.5 hours per week) role based at Aldens Court,
Exeter. Antisocial hours including early mornings, evenings and weekends are an
essential part of the role. Time off in lieu may be taken under DWC’s authorised
overtime system.
Member of the Devon Wildlife Consultants team, which is part of Devon Wildlife
Enterprises, a trading subsidiary of Devon Wildlife Trust and will be line managed by a
Senior Ecologist.
Oversee the work of Assistant Ecologists, volunteers and sub-contractors.
3. Background
DWC is an ecological consultancy owned and operated by the Devon Wildlife Trust
through its commercial arm, Devon Wildlife Enterprises Ltd (DWE). All of DWE’s profits are
gift aided to Devon Wildlife Trust to further its conservation work. Due to staff leaving to
further their academic education, we require a consultant ecologist to manage and deliver
ecological projects and advise our clients appropriately in line with the existing consultant
and senior ecologists.
Due to the smaller size of the consultancy, the person employed will need to be proficient
with undertaking protected species surveys including bat, badger, reptile and dormouse
and will also undertake Extended Phase 1 Habitat surveys.
4. Principal Accountabilities
The most important tasks that the postholder will be expected to undertake in his/her day
to day work will be, but not be restricted to: 
Plan, undertake and manage protected species and Phase 1 habitat surveys according
to best practice;
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Last updated: July 2015

Manage and deliver a range of projects simultaneously on budget and on time;

Advise and clearly communicate to clients the key ecological constraints to a
development project both in person and on the phone;

Produce tender documents for a range of ecological works and species;

Design appropriate mitigation measures and deliver European Protected Species
(EPS) development licenses;

Produce neat, clear maps using MapInfo;

Analyse bat sound recordings and extrapolate the main information required to compile
an appropriate report;

Design and advise clients on habitat creation and/or enhancement measures;

Compile Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitat Regulation Assessments;

Willingness to undertake a range of practical tasks associated with mitigation works
including installing reptile fencing and badger gates.
In the course of delivering this work the postholder will need to have regard to:

Current best practice guidelines and health and safety procedures;

The financial constraints of the project budget.

Business planning and development.
5. Person Specification
Skills & attributes
Essential
Demonstrate exceptional
written communication
skills and have
experience in writing
technical reports, EPS
licenses and fee
proposals
Proficient with bat sound
analysis programmes
such as
BatSound/Kaleidoscope
Confident user of
Microsoft Word, Excel,
Desirable
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JOB DESCRIPTION
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Access, Map Info &
Outlook
Ability to work on own
initiative and manage and
prioritise own workload
Flexible to working hours
and able to work as a
member of a team
Able to work in all
weather conditions and
regularly undertake work
outside of normal working
hours
Knowledge &
qualifications
Experience
Ability to generate new or
repeat business
Innovative with regard to
business development
Degree in relevant subject Secondary degree in a
(e.g. ecology,
relevant subject
environmental science)
At least one Natural
Bat and/or Dormouse
England Protected
Survey Licence
Species Survey Licence
Membership of CIEEM
Full CIEEM member
Current driving licence
ROLO/CSCS card
and access to own car
Sound knowledge of
terrestrial ecology
Thorough understanding
Knowledge of priority
of UK and European
habitats and species in
wildlife legislation
south-west England
Good knowledge of
protected species survey
and botanical survey
techniques and
identification
Minimum of 2 years’
experience within an
ecological consultancy,
including managing and
delivering a range of
commercial ecological
surveys
Experience of designing
Experience in undertaking
and implementing
BREEAM & CSHA
ecological mitigation
schemes
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Last updated: July 2015
Experience of managing
budgets and an
awareness of business
development and health
and safety risk
management
Experience in undertaking
ecological clerk of work
roles
6. Reporting Structure
Director of
Corporate &
Commercial
Services (DWT)
Senior Ecologist
Consultant
Ecologist x 2
Senior Consultant
& Senior Ecologist
Assistant Ecologist
7. Working Relationships
Internally the postholder will:
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
Work closely with colleagues and volunteers within the consultancy
Be able to build relationships with all DWT staff
Externally the post holder will:
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Work with existing and new clients
Consult with landowners and consultees
Be expected to uphold DWC’s reputation and maintain a good working relationship with
all clients.
8. Key Challenges

Increase capacity of the team to undertake a wide variety of field surveys.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
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

Assist with ensuring that DWC’s turnover and profitability holds up in the current
economic climate.
Ensure that DWC maintain an excellent standard of work and can develop into new
work streams.
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