Origin Environmental

Principal Ecologist/Team Leader At Origin Enterprises, we are dedicated to championing sustainable land use, and our Environmental teams support a diverse range of clients and projects-from land management and development to restoration and conservation. Joining us means becoming part of a collaborative, purpose driven community where this collective expertise enables us to deliver high quality, fully integrated solutions and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes across the UK and Ireland. About Neo Neo Environmental is a multidisciplinary consultancy that provides market leading, cost-effective planning, environmental and technical solutions to clients working in the energy, residential, retail, utilities, mixed use, aggregates and infrastructure sectors across the UK and Ireland. We work closely with our clients throughout the duration of projects to ensure that we have a thorough understanding of their requirements and to achieve optimum designs. Our team consists of experienced and accredited planners, engineers and multi disciplinary environmental consultants, ensuring we provide a full suite of in house collaborative services for projects. We have an enviable track record for successfully consenting projects, whether small or complex, through our comprehensive understanding of planning requirements, particularly in the renewable energy industry. The role will include: Undertaking Ecological Surveys including: Phase 1/ Fossitt habitat surveys and NVC/IVCs Protected species surveys Bat surveys Bird surveys Producing Comprehensive reports including: Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) EIA chapters Biodiversity Management Plans Protected Species Survey Reports and Management Plans Appropriate Assessment/Natural Impact Statements Managing survey timetables, capacity and delivery across multiple projects to ensure compliance with relevant survey guidance Liasing with clients and statutory consultees Attending client and site meetings Line management and team leadership for the Ecology team Key Requirements: Degree in Ecology or similar Good knowledge of ecological legislation and relevant planning policy in N.I. and RoI. Experience of leading on ecology for planning applications across a range of sectors including complex projects. Significant professional report writing skills Attention to detail, reliability and good organisational skills are essential Willing to travel across the NI and ROI, with occasional overnight stays from home CIEEM accredited Holding survey/mitigation licences from NIEA/NPWS in the past would be advantageous Ornithology experience would be advantageous Bat survey and GWDTE Experience. Why work for us? We offer a competitive and supportive rewards package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. This includes Life Assurance, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and paid professional memberships such as CIEEM. We're committed to continuous development, offering a blend of internal and external training opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career. As part of our inclusive culture, you'll have the opportunity to join our monthly Neurodiversity Café, take part in community action days, and benefit from our family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave options. While we value time spent together in our offices to collaborate and stay connected, most roles offer hybrid working and open conversations around flexibility. You'll also enjoy 25 days' holiday, regular performance and development reviews, and the chance to collaborate across the wider Origin Group, especially within our growing family of Environmental businesses. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued. Visit our website to learn more - and grow with us.

Origin Environmental is searching for a Principal Ecologist/Team Leader in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. This role involves leading ecological surveys, managing report production, and liaising with clients to contribute to sustainable land use. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Ecology and have significant experience in ecological legislation and report writing. The position offers a supportive package, including hybrid working, extensive training opportunities, and a focus on inclusivity.

Role Overview As part of a CIEEM Registered Practice, this Senior Ecologist is responsible for leading ecological surveys, managing ecological projects and mentoring junior ecologists. The role involves delivering high quality ecological consultancy services, building client relationships, supporting business development, and ensuring compliance with professional standards. Prerequisites Associate Member of CIEEM (ACIEEM) or equivalent chartered professional body. Degree in Ecology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies or a related discipline. Demonstrable ecological consultancy experience across a range of sectors and project scales. Key Responsibilities Lead and deliver small to medium scale ecological consultancy projects from inception through to completion. Produce technical reports and quality assurance across ecological projects. Manage project budgets and resources to ensure successful delivery. Manage relationships with clients, regulators and project teams. Support business development through the production of fee quotes and tender preparation. Lead complex ecological surveys, providing technical supervision of staff. Mentor, develop and, where appropriate, line manage members of the ecology team. Work to high standards of health and safety, quality assurance and professional practice. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environmental solutions. Essential Competencies Survey design, species and habitat survey delivery (S1 3). Design environmental management and/or mitigation plans (M2). Habitat regulation assessments, environmental impact assessment, ecological assessment and biodiversity net gain assessment (A2,3,4,6). Advising on legal, policy and international standards and regulatory compliance (P3 4). Communication of technical information effectively to a range of audiences (C1). Working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams (F2). Managing quality, resources and operational efficiency (OM1,4). Project management including programme and financial management (PRM1). Information and document management and effective use of information technology (IM1 2). Desirable Competencies Knowledge of environmental management, ecological management planning, risk management and specialist ecological advice (M1, M3, M6). Strategic Environmental Assessment and/or environmental valuation (A1, A5). Contributing to professional guidance, standards or industry best practice (P1). Interpreting ecological research to produce evidence based conclusions (SM3). Undertaking standard and complex risk assessments (HS1). Partnership working, consultation and stakeholder engagement (F1). Setting objectives for resource efficiency and sustainability (OM2). Recruiting, leading, developing and motivating ecological teams to achieve business and project objectives (PEM1 PEM2). Benefits Industry aligned salary and comprehensive benefits package. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Life assurance. Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Paid professional memberships, including CIEEM where applicable. Investment in development through internal and external training. Regular performance and career development reviews. Hybrid and flexible working opportunities. Enhanced family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave. Supportive and inclusive culture. Annual whole team community action day. Three staff appreciation events per year. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team.

Role Overview As a CIEEM Registered Practice, we are committed to delivering high standards of professional practice, ethics and quality. The Principal Ecologist plays a key role in maintaining these standards while contributing to the continued growth and reputation of the business and the wider profession. This is a senior technical and leadership role, responsible for managing ecological projects and supporting the development of a high performing team. The successful candidate will deliver high quality ecological consultancy services, provide technical leadership, build strong client relationships and contribute to business development. Excellent communication skills, sound ecological knowledge and commercial awareness are essential. Prerequisites Full Member of CIEEM (MCIEEM) or an equivalent chartered professional body. Degree in Ecology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies or a related discipline. Demonstrable ecological consultancy experience across a range of sectors and project scales. Key Responsibilities Lead and deliver ecological consultancy projects from inception through to completion. Provide technical oversight and quality assurance across a range of ecological projects. Manage project programmes, budgets and resources to ensure successful delivery. Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators and project teams. Support business development through networking, tender preparation and identifying new opportunities. Mentor, develop and, where appropriate, line manage members of the ecology team. Promote high standards of health and safety, quality assurance and professional practice. Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated environmental solutions. Essential Competencies Candidates must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: Species and/or habitat survey (S1 S3) Designing environmental management and/or mitigation plans (M2) Habitats regulations assessments, environmental impact assessment, ecological assessment and/or biodiversity net gain assessment (A2 4,6) Advising on legal, policy and international standards and regulatory compliance (P3 4) Communication of technical information effectively to a range of audiences (C1) Working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams (F2) Managing quality, resources and operational efficiency (OM1,4) Project management including programme and financial management (PRM1) Information and document management and/or effective use of information technology (IM1 2) Desirable Competencies Environmental management, including ecological management planning, implementation, risk management and specialist ecological advice (M1, M3, M6). Strategic Environmental Assessment and/or environmental valuation (A1, A5). Contributing to professional guidance, standards or industry best practice (P1). Interpreting ecological research to produce evidence based conclusions (SM3). Undertaking standard and complex risk assessments (HS1). Partnership working, consultation and stakeholder engagement (F1). Setting objectives for resource efficiency and sustainability (OM2). Recruiting, leading, developing and motivating ecological teams to achieve business and project objectives (PEM1 PEM2). Benefits Interesting, diverse and meaningful projects that support our vision Industry aligned salary and comprehensive benefits package 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays Life assurance Healthcare insurance Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Paid professional memberships, including CIEEM (where applicable) Ongoing investment in your development through internal and external training Regular performance and career development reviews Hybrid and flexible working opportunities Enhanced family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave A supportive and inclusive culture (eg. Menopause and Neurodiversity Café) Annual whole team community action day Staff appreciation events Cycle to Work Scheme We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.