Binnies are recruiting for an experienced Ecologist to provide our national lead on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). We are using BNG across our portfolio of work to maximise the sustainability of our projects at all scales; including flood, coastal and maritime projects for our clients such as the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and local authorities, plus a range of other sectors such as ports, water utilities, transport and renewable power. This key role would also support our growing portfolio of water and catchment work including natural capital projects and Solutions By Nature; our joint venture providing nature-based solutions via blue-green infrastructure to the water industry. You would be a key part of our national Ecology Team and work with our ecologists and specialists to drive the quality of our BNG, ecosystem services and natural capital assessments. We are already working with our GIS and Digital Ecology specialists to optimise the use of technology in collecting data and populating the metrics and are looking for someone to develop further opportunities. Depending on your skill sets and interest there would also be the opportunity to also undertake more wider ecological assessment, design and survey work. You would be welcome in one of our offices (Redhill, Bradford on Avon, Birmingham, Exeter or Chester), but we are open to candidates from across the country and offer flexible working. Binnies is a registered Ecological (CIEEM) and Landscape Practice (Landscape Institute) and hold the IEMA EIA Quality Mark, which is a benchmark of our high standards in EIA delivery. Binnies are also a sponsor of the Association of Environmental Clerk of Works. About the Role To be the Binnies national lead for BNG, the role would involve: Taking a leading position in this topic area for technical oversight and development. Leading the quality assurance on all BNG data collection, calculations, and review of reports. Providing advice to our clients on how to achieve BNG on their project work. Identifying and carrying out internal training on UK Habitat Classification Survey techniques and using the Biodiversity Metric for BNG Assessments. Design of habitat restoration/creation schemes to maximise BNG on projects and strategies. Supporting business development and tenders for BNG. Working with our GIS and Digital specialists to maximise use of technology to optimise BNG Assessments, surveys and monitoring programmes. We are happy to adapt the role to your preferences – e.g. more field based, office based or a mix. So if you are keen to keep up your field skills then there would be opportunity to still undertake ecological surveys, and oversee protected species licence applications and mitigation. Also to contribute and review wider ecological assessments and consents. If you would like to discuss the role in advance of making a formal application please contact our Emma Stevens or Owen Peat. Qualifications/Requirements The role is suitable for an experienced Ecology professional with full membership of CIEEM or equivalent. You should possess and be able to demonstrate the following qualifications, skills and knowledge: have an ecological/environmental related degree; be Chartered, or working towards Chartership; proven experience in using the Biodiversity Metric; experience of UK Habitat Classification assessments including condition assessment; have excellent written and oral communication; enjoy innovation and embracing advances in technology and ecology; hold a full UK driving licence. Desirable experience includes: wider ecological impact assessment and consenting; contribution to natural capital and ecosystem services assessments; range of other protected species or habitat surveys; previous consultancy experience. Why Join Us Would you like to work in a business where you feel empowered to grow? Where there is no place for criticism or discrimination? A place where people are mindful and respectful? If so, then Binnies is the place for you. We have a strong ‘ENGAGED’ culture that runs through everything we do. Evolved over 100 years, we have a culture of caring, where our employee’s wellbeing and work-life balance are priorities, in fact we have industry leading flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive working environment, where a diverse workforce is supported to grow and develop. Benefits Competitive salary Flexible working Flexible benefits e.g. buy annual leave, varying pension contributions, options for private healthcare Two professional memberships paid as part of our benefits package