Thomson Environmental Consultants are experts in environmental compliance. Our specialist teams have been advising our clients, across various sectors, on how to achieve their objectives and meet required environmental compliance since 2004. We cover a breadth of specialisms and are always pragmatic with our advice. With offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Guildford, Leeds and Manchester, our teams provide: ecological advice; undertake surveys and assessments; habitat design and creation; ecological contracting; invasive species management; freshwater and marine consultancy; arboriculture consultancy and contracting; data management and mapping; and marine laboratory services (invertebrates, fish and sediment analyses).

You can find out more about the type, size and scope of the projects we work on here: https://www.thomsonec.com/projects/

You’ll be joining a company which is ambitious, progressive, rapidly growing and offers certainty in times of change. One where you play a key part in shaping the future and where you will be directly rewarded for your contributions to its growth, as we are proudly employee owned. We are constantly innovating and being opportunistic to market changes. This is demonstrated through many recent in-house development projects and the addition of climate change and biodiversity net gain to our commercial offering to our clients. It really is an exciting time to join #teamthomson!

Our workplace is happy and friendly - we are commercial but not corporate, guided by our values of Respect, Integrity, Support and Excellence. As an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) our collective efforts generate results that translate into greater rewards for everyone. You’ll enjoy all the benefits we have to offer, including EOT approved bonuses (after a qualifying period), the opportunity to contribute to and lead on high-profile, once in a life-time projects, 25 days annual leave, free parking (location dependent) and regular social events, with the odd cake thrown in for good measure!

Are you an ecological consultant working at senior or principal level with prior experience in commercial consultancy? Are you looking for a role which will utilise your skills and experience, but enables you to work flexibly, part-time, or remotely? If you are commercially aware, self-motivated, organised, with excellent client communication and project management skills, come and join our growing team!

The role

We are looking for technically-minded Senior or Principal Ecological Consultants to join our rapidly expanding teams, enhancing our offering to clients and building on our success. Key responsibilities include preparation and review of technical reports, quotes and tenders, contributing to project management and supporting or managing junior members of the team (dependent on number of working hours). We are flexible regarding the number of days and hours worked per week, and we can adapt the roles accordingly for successful candidates. Tell us what your ideal working arrangement looks like and we'll do our best to accommodate this.

We have multiple positions available due to a period of sustained business growth and we are welcoming applications from applicants seeking part-time, flexible roles, as well as remote working. Fundamental to our business’ continual progression, which has seen 42% growth in 2020, is the recruitment of more great team members to join us on this journey and to share in our success.

Suitable candidates will have commercial project management skills, have an approachable and adaptable leadership style, as well being technically competent, with an in-depth knowledge of ecology, legislation, and survey techniques. Outputs are expected to be high quality, on time and within budget. As with all consultancy work, you will need to be a professional with the ability to communicate effectively and to maintain positive client relationships.

You may already be working at senior or principal level and looking for a fresh approach to ecological consultancy, with plenty of scope for development and progression, or be ready to take the step up from consultant ecologist to senior. At principal level, you’ll be confident in undertaking business development, preparing quotes and tenders, and building client relationships. You will be a technical expert and capable of writing accurate and concise reports. At senior level, you will be a competent project manager, able to lend your expertise to support the management of mid to large scale projects from inception to completion, with some experience of winning work and developing your commercial skillset.

Successful candidates must

• have relevant and proven experience in a similar role, within a commercial ecological consultancy
• have a degree or postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in an ecological or related subject
• be technically competent, with an in-depth knowledge of ecology, legislation, and survey techniques
• be commercially aware, self-motivated, organised, with excellent client communication
• be experienced in advising clients and having managed large-scale, complex projects
• be financially adept with the ability to manage budgets
• have advanced field skills in one or more specialist areas as well as holding a protected species licence(s)
• have excellent written communication skills and be able to produce meticulous and accurate technical reports, for example EPSL applications, EcIA chapters and habitat regulation assessments
• have experience of leading and motivating a team of both site and office-based staff
• have a full UK driving licence and use of a car
• have a positive outlook and a strong desire to succeed.

Ideally you will also

• have a proven work winning track record, experience of preparing bids and tenders and generating new business opportunities.
• full membership of CIEEM (or to have eligibility if not currently held).

These are permanent positions based either remotely or at one of our offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Guildford, Leeds or Manchester.

What can you expect from us? Read some of our employee testimonials:

“Thomson really cares about its staff, providing flexible working arrangements to help people work around their family commitments. The team culture is great with lots of support and training opportunities. I have always felt genuinely supported and respected, making me want to give my best back to the company”. – Kate T

"Thomson has provided me with the opportunity to manage a diverse portfolio of projects from a variety of sectors. The company fosters a positive atmosphere where everyone feels valued. The support team are fantastic and work tirelessly to make life easier for everyone else. Thomson thrives on innovation and actively engages with research institutes to improve the effectiveness of its survey methods. People are recognised for their achievements and there are plenty of opportunities for career progression. I recommend Thomson for anyone considering a career in ecology". - William T

"Thomson offers its staff a great culture in which to thrive in. With an open-door policy, supportive team environment and flexible working, it creates a happy and productive workplace. Our CEO is always keen to explore new ventures, making Thomson an exciting place to work and let’s not forget our amazing staff parties organised by our very own social team!" - Finance Team